British public helps to raise £100 million for Ukraine in emergency appeal
The amount was raised by the public in only four days
The British public has helped to raise £100 million to support those fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine in only four days.
After an emergency appeal was launched on Thursday for Ukraine, the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) said that roughly £1 million was raised every hour to support refugees.
As part of its Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, the DEC is also hoping to get other charities involved to increase the amount donated even further.
In addition to the £100 million raised by the public, an extra £25 million has been given to the fund by the UK government. The Royal Family have also contributed to the fund.
In total, over 1.5 million people have already fled Ukraine as a result of the Russian offensive, which began at the end of February. Most of the refugees are women and children, with many heading west into Poland, Hungary and Romania.
However, the United Nations estimates that anywhere between 4 and 7 million Ukrainians are set to leave their homes as fighting continues in the country.
In the UK, fundraisers have been held up and down the country, with people donating food, clothes and money to help those in Ukraine as best as they can.
Charities are already on the ground in Ukraine and its border to provide much-needed food, water, shelter and medical supplies.
Speaking about the efforts made by the public, Jo Kitterick, Head of supporter engagement at CAFOD - a charity working with the DEC said the money raised was already having an effect.
“This amazing show of support for people fleeing the conflict has meant that we have been able to start spending money straight away to help more people. Through our international partner Caritas we are working inside Ukraine and on its borders, setting up safe centres with beds, food and washing facilities. We’re also providing transport, information, psychological support and child-friendly spaces," she said.
“The conflict shows no sign of letting up and our local experts are seeing more and more people having to flee their homes to keep themselves safe. We’re expecting the numbers crossing the border to keep increasing in the coming days. I want to thank everyone who has donated to help us support them in their moment of greatest need.”
Despite the large numbers raised, people can continue donating to the fund to help those in Ukraine.
To donate to the DEC's Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, visit their website or telephone 0370 60 60 900. Any money donated will go directly to the fund, which will be used to support those affected by the war.