The Guardian and Observer charity appeal in aid of grassroots charities operating at the frontline of the cost of living crisis has passed the £1.25m mark, as the campaign enters its final week.
More than 10,500 donors have so far given to the appeal, which is raising money for local organisations providing much-needed support to people experiencing hardship and poverty, via the appeal’s two charity partners, Citizens Advice and Locality.
Readers still have a few days to add their donation to the appeal, which runs through to midnight on Sunday.
Money raised will be targeted at scores of local voluntary organisations working in some of the UK’s most deprived areas, which are providing crisis support ranging from food banks and warm rooms to debt and housing advice and mental health help.
The appeal has struck a chord with many readers, who have written to us via the online donation page to tell us why they gave.
One reader wrote: “I remain appalled that in such a rich country there are so many people in poverty and inequalities continue to grow. And I know that many people cannot find their way through the system to access such support as there is. So local services which provide advice and support are more necessary now than ever and this is a small contribution to sustaining them.”
Another said: “So many people are struggling to survive and we very sadly live in a country which now has so little compassion for others. Thank you, Guardian [and Observer], for committing yourselves and your readers to two charities which can make such a difference at grassroots level.”
It is the eighth year in a row that the Guardian and Observer’s annual charity appeal has raised more than £1m. Recent appeal causes have included climate justice, coronavirus and young people, Windrush and immigration injustice, and refugees.
The chair of Locality, Alison Haskins, who is chief executive of Locality member Halifax Opportunities trust, thanked readers for their generosity. She said: “Thanks to your help, Locality members can unleash the latent power that exists in communities across the country.
“In Halifax, we have seen the devastation caused by Covid, the underfunding of public services and the cost of living crisis. However, we’ve also seen the deep well of compassion, creativity and pride that exists in local neighbourhoods.”
Dame Clare Moriarty, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: “To see donations to this year’s Guardian and Observer appeal reach £1.25m is incredibly humbling – especially when so many people’s finances are being squeezed.
“Our advisers work tirelessly in local communities to provide practical advice and support to people facing impossible situations. These funds will help us to continue delivering our vital service.”
