Unicef UK has raised more than £1m in four days to support children affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
In a statement to Third Sector, the charity said it was “extremely grateful for the amazing response from the public in just four days since the appeal went live”.
The charity said it had been working to support children in eastern Ukraine since the conflict began in 2014, and launched a new emergency appeal on 24 February after Russia launched a widespread invasion of the country.
The British Red Cross also announced an emergency fundraising appeal on 24 February. When it launched the appeal, the charity said its priority was to “assist people during this time of heightened tension, with access to clean water, health care and psychosocial support”.
Similar initiatives followed from Save the Children, which issued a statement last week calling for all parties to “agree to an immediate cessation of hostilities, to reduce the risk to children’s lives and wellbeing” as well as launching a fundraising campaign.
Care International also launched an urgent appeal last week. The charity said it was working with the Czech non-profit People In Need to distribute emergency supplies including food, water, hygiene kits and cash to cover daily needs.
Small and medium-sized charities, including the children’s charity Lumos, have also joined the humanitarian response.
British-Ukrainian Aid, which was already supporting people affected by the conflict in eastern Ukraine, announced a new fundraising campaign last week, stating it hoped to raise £20,000 for medical aid. At the time of writing, the British-Ukrainian Aid JustGiving page had raised almost £122,000.
Crowdfunding responses to the emergency have also registered a high amount of donations.
The Help Ukraine Emergency Appeal, a GoFundMe page started by Anna Dezyk on behalf of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, had raised almost £860,000 at the time of writing.
A JustGiving page started by the Hereford-based businesswoman Nataliya Cumming with a £2,000 goal raised nearly £50,000.
The White Eagle Club, a Polish social club in Balham, south London, launched an appeal for essential items including batteries and torches, personal hygiene items, clothes, blankets and medicine.
Responding in a public Facebook post to the overwhelming amount of donations received, the club said: “Thank you for donations to support the Ukrainian refugees. We did not expect such a response! We would also like to thank all our volunteers who supported us today.”