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13th January 2005

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) today predicted that it will raise £200 million for the Tsunami earthquake Appeal.

DEC Chairman, David Glencross on behalf of the Trustees, said: "We asked the British public to respond urgently and generously, and they have done so magnificently. They have made an unprecedented contribution, which will make a real difference to the lives and livelihoods of people affected by this disaster over the years to come."

The size of the response has meant that the DEC can now wind down its Appeal, although it is expecting planned fundraising events to continue. Money due to be raised from them is built into spending plans.

DEC agencies will continue to work together. Their priority now is to ensure that money is moving to where it is needed most, in support of co-ordinated action with national governments and the United Nations.

The agencies will concentrate on meeting immediate needs in the first, one year phase of the relief operation whilst planning longer term work. They are already providing food, shelter, clothing, medical supplies, and access to clean water. The second phase will last two years. It will emphasise rehabilitation and livelihoods projects, to make a lasting difference to people's lives.

Brendan Gormley, Chief Executive of the DEC said: "The generosity of the public has been humbling. DEC agencies are immensely grateful, and are already getting aid to those who need it most. We are all fully committed to reporting back on progress on a regular basis."

To date there have been 1.7 million telephone donations, 650,000 online donations, 106,000 text donations and 350,000 postal donations.

Many of the agencies who make up the DEC are members of the Make Poverty History coalition. They have united in a common belief that 2005 offers an unparalleled opportunity for global change, and are campaigning on trade justice, debt cancellation, and more and better targeted aid. DEC agencies are asking everyone who did so much to help people affected by the tsunami to join the Make Poverty History campaign by logging onto www.makepovertyhistory.org.

Gormley said: "The response of the British public to the tsunami Appeal has shown that we care more than ever about the fate of people in poor countries. Let's turn this goodwill into long term change for the better."

ENDS

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