More than £100,000 has been raised by generous Guardian readers in less than a week for the Hope appeal, supporting grassroots charities that promote tolerance, compassion and social justice in communities hit by division, distrust and racism.
The appeal has partnered with five charities: Citizens UK, The Linking Network, Locality, Hope Unlimited, and Who Is Your Neighbour?
Their vital work helps bring communities and neighbourhoods together through practical and inspiring projects that build resilience and local pride, finding common ground on issues that matter to local people, from housing to youth clubs.
The Guardian’s editor-in-chief, Katharine Viner, introducing the appeal, said it had been launched against a toxic backdrop of social division, far-right activism, the demonisation of migrants, and the re-emergence of “1970s-style racism”.
The charities the Guardian is supporting “help restore abandoned libraries, parks and community centres,” she wrote. “They run food banks, jobs and skills initiatives, youth and sports clubs, drop-in centres, arts projects, neighbourhood festivals and refugee welcome initiatives. They help to build hope.”
“They make connections and build relationships … They offer a true antidote to division and despair, and focus on what unites rather than what divides us.”
Viner added: “The Guardian appeal showcases what is possible. It is a tribute to those whose voluntary efforts transform individual lives and communities, in the public interest, and a celebration of social justice.”
Scores of Guardian readers have so far told us why they donated to the appeal, using the email tool on the online donation page. One donor said: “Hope not hatred is what we need. All the organisations in this appeal offer precisely that.”
Another said: “We’re very worried by the rise of the far right, racism and hate speech in the UK. Sometimes we don’t recognise the country we thought we lived in. Grassroots community initiatives are crucial in combating the rising tide of hatred and misdirected anger.”
The annual Guardian appeal telethon, staffed by some of our best-known journalists, is taking place on Saturday 13 December. Look out for further details.
