Press Release - 24 November 2008
DEC Congo appeal shoots past £4 million mark in four days despite financial squeeze
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) today published figures showing over £4 million raised in only four days.
The DEC Congo (DR) appeal has raised over £4 million in the UK since launching on Thursday, November 20. There were over 25,000 donations on the first night alone, with money continuing to come in over the course of the weekend.
The donations have come despite the credit crunch and the slump in retail spending over the past few weeks.
Brendan Gormley, Chief Executive of the DEC said: “The generosity of the British public has been fantastic, especially considering the current economic climate. This money has a real effect on the ground and we need your continuing support to help even more individuals and families displaced, hurt or separated by the crisis.”
The money raised through the DEC appeal goes straight to the member agencies, many of whom have a long history of working in the Congo. The new influx of donations will allow them to scale up their operations in the region, according to CAFOD spokesperson Nana Anto-Awuakye: “Today our first shipment of humanitarian aid will finally reach Rutshuru, with distribution of crucial supplies to around 12,500 people in desperate need.”
To make a donation to the DEC Congo (DR) Crisis appeal call 0370 60 60 900, donate online at www.dec.org.uk or donate over the counter at any post office or high street bank
/ends
