Middle East charity appeal raises £2m in Scotland

People in Scotland have helped donate more than £2 million to an appeal to help those affected by conflict in the Middle East.

The cash has been raised since the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) in Scotland launched its Middle East Humanitarian Appeal two weeks ago and is already being allocated to charities on the ground in Gaza and Lebanon.

Aid workers say millions of people who have fled their homes in search of safety across Gaza, Lebanon and the wider region are in urgent need of food, water, shelter and medical care.

The committee is calling for further donations to help those in the region, with £10 enough to provide blankets for two people to keep them warm and £50 able to pay for emergency food for five families.

Member charities the DEC has allocated funds to include the British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Islamic Relief, Oxfam, Save the Children and Tearfund.

The Scottish Government donated £200,000 to the appeal through its Humanitarian Emergency Fund.

It has also given £25,000 each to the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund and Mercy Corps.

Rob Murray, Scotland director for the British Red Cross, said: “It’s amazing that Scotland has once again responded so generously to this appeal.

“To raise more than £2 million shows the empathy and compassion felt by people across Scotland.

“Despite the extraordinary challenges and risks, these donations will help the British Red Cross and other DEC member charities reach people in Gaza, Lebanon and across the region.

“For all this support we say a huge thank you. Support the appeal by texting ‘HOPE’ to 70676 and make a difference today.”

The UK Government is supporting the appeal by matching the first £10 million of donations from the British public.

Across the UK more than £23 million has been raised, with the King and Queen among those who donated.

Donations can be made at www.dec.org.uk/ or by calling 0330 123 0333 or text HOPE to 70676 to donate £10.