The Guardian and Observer’s Christmas charity appeal telethon has been a resounding success, raising over half a million pounds for three charities supporting war victims.
Guardian and Observer Charity Appeal Drives Donations Beyond £500,000
The Guardian and Observer Christmas charity appeal telethon has been a resounding success, with donations exceeding £500,000. The eight-hour event on Saturday saw a 46-strong roster of journalists chatting to and taking donations from over 500 readers.
Donations Pour in for Charities Supporting War Victims
Generous Guardian and Observer readers gave £57,000 over the phones during the telethon, with more than 5,000 donors contributing so far. The appeal is raising money for three charities: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and War Child, which provide frontline support in war zones across the world, including Gaza and Ukraine; and Parallel Histories, which helps schools teach sensitive and controversial histories.
Appeal Total Hitting £508,000
The appeal total stood at £508,000 on Sunday morning, just over a week into the appeal. The Guardian‘s editor-in-chief, Katharine Viner, introduced the appeal, saying: “We ask you to support the Guardian and Observer appeal in a spirit of optimism and defiance, as a signal of commitment to peace, human rights and social justice, and as a gesture of solidarity with the millions of people whose lives and livelihoods have been destroyed through war and violence.”
Readers Share Their Stories
Hundreds of readers have shared their reasons for donating to the appeal. One donor said: “I cannot begin to imagine what it must be like for people, and children in particular to live in the midst of war … I pray this small donation (I wish it was more) will add another drop to the bucket of compassion and transformation.” Another donor added: “Knowing that my donation will go towards support on the ground in the moment of conflict, but will also support recovery and help us learn lessons from conflicts in the future, is important to me – to feel some hope in what generally feels like a hopeless situation.”
Charity Response
Dr Natalie Roberts, executive director of MSF UK, said: “It’s incredible to see donations reach £500,000 so quickly. Your support means so much to us, and more importantly, it means hope and life-saving care to the people who need it the most.
- theguardian.com | Guardian and Observer charity telethon drives donations beyond £500,000
