The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) thanks generous UK public after the Venezuela Earthquake Appeal reaches £7 million
Spokespeople in Venezuela available for interview contact: 020 7387 0200 or 07930 999 014 (out of hours) press1@dec.org.uk
César searches for family members in the rubble following the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. Image: Arete/DEC
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has raised over £7 million so far for the appeal which launched yesterday. The money will be used for urgent medical supplies, food packages, water and shelter with the support of high-profile figures including Sir Michael Palin, Adjoa Andoh MBE and the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The fundraising announcement comes after nationwide television and radio appeals fronted by actor and International Rescue Committee Ambassador Adjoa Andoh MBE and Sir Michael aired yesterday – including one played before the England World Cup football game against the DRC.
The total includes £2 million matched by the UK Government through its UK Aid Match scheme, announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs, as well as £250,000 from the Scottish Government and £50,000 from the Welsh Government.
A week on from the twin earthquakes, many survivors remain displaced and in need of shelter, with critical infrastructure and housing – including 96,000 buildings - damaged or entirely destroyed. Essential services are suffering, and hospitals are overwhelmed. The death toll stands at 2,200.
Funds raised will be used by DEC charities and their local partners, who have been working in Venezuela for many years, to provide medicines, distribute food packages and ensure people have access to clean drinking water and adequate shelter as rains approach.
Writer, actor and presenter Sir Michael Palin said:
“The devastation brought on by these earthquakes is horrific. Thousands of people desperately need medical care. People are digging through rubble to find their families, and my heart goes out to everyone who is still searching for their loved ones.
“I visited Venezuela last year, and saw a beautiful country full of warm and resilient people. But even before these earthquakes, many families were struggling and today millions of people are in need of humanitarian support. Parents and children are sleeping on the streets, and hospitals are overwhelmed.
“I’ve worked with the DEC in the past and I know the incredible difference that your donation can make. DEC charities are already on the ground providing clean water, food and emergency medical treatment, as well as assisting in search and rescue efforts. By supporting this appeal, you will ensure help reaches survivors. Please give what you can today.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rt Revd. and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE said:
“Our brothers and sisters in Venezuela are facing immense hardship following two catastrophic earthquakes and the many aftershocks. At moments such as these, we are called not to turn away from suffering, but to respond with compassion and practical support for our neighbours in need.
“The launch of the DEC Venezuela Earthquake Appeal brings together humanitarian charities who are working with local partners to reach affected communities with urgent assistance.
“I encourage all who are able, to support the DEC Venezuela Earthquake Appeal. Your generosity can help provide vital assistance to those affected and offer hope at a time of great need.”
The DEC brings together 15 leading aid charities at times of crisis overseas. Fourteen member charities are responding in Venezuela including British Red Cross, Oxfam, Save the Children, and World Vision.
Saleh Saeed, DEC Chief Executive, said:
“People in Venezuela are facing a devastating crisis after these catastrophic earthquakes, and the needs are urgent and growing by the hour.
“Once again, the British public has shown extraordinary generosity—we are incredibly grateful. Thank you. But far more help is needed now.
“Every pound raised means more lives saved. Families have lost everything, and many are still without shelter, food, or clean water. We must act quickly to reach them.
“Just £10 could provide essential hygiene supplies to help prevent disease, £25 could feed a family for a week, and £50 could provide shelter for three families who have lost their homes. Please give whatever you can today.”
Donations can be made online here: dec.org.uk
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Media enquiries please call 020 7387 0200 or 07930 999 014 (out of hours)
For more information contact press1@dec.org.uk
Interview requests: For more information or to request interviews please contact: press1@dec.org.uk
A collection of images and video footage of the aftermath of the earthquake and DEC charities responding is available here.
About the DEC: The DEC brings together 15 leading UK aid charities at times of crisis overseas to raise funds quickly and efficiently. In these times of crisis, people in life-and-death situations need our help and our mission is to save, protect and rebuild lives through effective humanitarian response. The DEC’s 15 member charities are: Action Against Hunger, ActionAid UK, Age International, British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International UK, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide UK, International Rescue Committee UK, Islamic Relief Worldwide, Oxfam GB, Plan International UK, Save the Children UK, Tearfund and World Vision UK.
Fourteen of the DEC’s 15 member charities are either responding or planning to respond in Venezuela and will receive funds from this appeal.
The total includes £2 million matched by the UK Government through its UK Aid Match scheme.
Through UK Aid Match the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) gives the British public the opportunity to have a say in how the UK aid budget is spent whilst boosting the impact of the very best British charities to change and save the lives of some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people.
UK Aid Match has increased the impact of a number of DEC appeals to help those in need around the world, including most recently in the Myanmar Earthquake Appeal, the Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal and the Middle East Humanitarian Appeal.
Enquiries about UK Aid Match and UK Government support for Venezuela should be directed to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Newsdesk. Please email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk.
How to donate:
Online: dec.org.uk
Phone: 0370 60 60 900
Text to give/SMS: text SUPPORT to 70150 to donate £10.
Donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office or send a cheque by post to: DEC Venezuela Earthquake Appeal, PO Box 999, London EC3A 3AA.