Guardian charity appeal donations top £200,000 before annual telethon | Communities
The first week of the Guardian’s Hope appeal raised more than £200,000 for grassroots charities doing inspiring work to bring divided communities together, promote tolerance and positive change and oppose racism and hatred.
The milestone was reached ahead of the annual fundraising campaign on Saturday. Journalists set to take phone donations include Polly Toynbee, John Crace, Jonathan Liew, Patrick Wintour and Simon Hattenstone.
The 2025 appeal raises funds for five charities: Citizens UK, The Linking Network, Locality, Hope Unlimited and Who Is Your Neighbor?
Their vital work helps bring communities together through practical projects that build resilience, relationships, hope and pride. From affordable housing to youth clubs, arts programs, community centers and refugee welcome projects, they help people find common ground on issues that matter to them.
The Guardian’s coverage of the work of partner charities to date includes a visit to The Linking Network program in Bradford, which brings together primary school children from different faiths and backgrounds, and a trip that witnessed Locality member Back In The Room’s efforts to unite a community in Sunderland following riots fueled by far-right rhetoric in 2024.
Matthew Bolton, chief executive and lead organizer at Citizens UK, said: “A huge thank you to Guardian readers for their generosity. Through your donations, we will invest in young organizers through mentoring and placements, and train community leaders to organize, change today’s divisive narrative and build hope.”
Launching the appeal last week, Guardian editor-in-chief Katharine Viner wrote: “This year’s theme is unapologetically hope. We support grassroots charities whose vital work at the heart of local neighborhoods fosters community pride and positive change and provides a powerful antidote to polarization, distrust and hatred.”
“Our common charities and the projects they support are united in the belief that no matter how loud the forces of hatred and division become, they can never drown out the values of tolerance, compassion and common humanity shared by the vast majority.”
Saturday’s campaign will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The number to call is 0203 353 4368. Other journalists in the 40-person team responding to your calls include Hugh Muir, Amelia Gentleman, Owen Gibson, Helena Horton, Annie Kelly and Sirin Kale.
