Guardian’s Hope appeal raises more than £1m for charities opposing hatred | Charities
The Guardian has raised more than £1 million in its Hope appeal to support grassroots charities whose work offers a positive antidote to social division, racism and hatred.
The appeal, which closed on Thursday, had five partner charities to share donations: Citizens UK, the Linking Network, Locality, Hope Unlimited Charitable Trust and Who Is Your Neighbor?
Katharine Viner, editor-in-chief of the Guardian, said: “The theme of this year’s Guardian charity appeal was hope, supporting great projects that improve community, tolerance and empathy.
“Our reporting over the past year has revealed the growing alarm many of us feel at the return of 1970s-style racist abuse, the demonization of refugees and the resurgence of far-right marches on Britain’s streets.
“I’m delighted that Guardian readers have responded with such generosity, warmth and solidarity. Your donations will make a positive difference, sending a clear message about standing up to hate and bringing people together.”
Over the past six weeks, the Guardian has published feature films and short films highlighting our partners’ inspiring projects, the people whose dedicated commitment makes them happen, and the individuals and communities who benefit from the outcome.
From affordable housing to youth clubs, arts projects to food kitchens, charities deliver practical initiatives designed to encourage empathy and tolerance, build trust and drive positive change on issues that matter to local communities.
The appeal raised £1,035,000, including estimated Gift Aid. More than 10,000 readers donated and many emailed to express their support. “I’m so glad the Guardian supports organizations that bring people together, promote humanity and the commonalities between us,” one reader wrote.
Over the last 11 years the Guardian appeal has raised more than £16 million for good causes including refugee support, homelessness, child poverty, victims of conflict and the climate crisis, whilst also highlighting the vital work of the voluntary sector.
A spokesperson for the Linking Network said: “Thank you Guardian readers – this incredible opportunity is a chance for more children and young people to join our work to build more connected communities.”
Locality chief executive Tony Armstrong said: “We’d like to thank readers for their huge generosity. Your donations will help Locality members build resilience, pride and opportunity in some of our most disadvantaged neighbourhoods.”
Who is your neighbor? “With your donations, we can grow our work in places that can help create hope, provide training to support others to do the same, and help create more important conversations across the country,” he said.
