Less than three weeks after its launch, the Guardian and Observer 2020 charity appeal has raised more than £750,000 for charities that are helping to tackle the stark impact of the pandemic crisis on young people in disadvantaged communities.
More than 7,000 people have donated so far, with the weekend’s socially distanced telethon kickstarting a fresh surge of donations to the appeal and its three beneficiary charities: UK Youth, Young Minds and Child Poverty Action Group.
Money raised for this year’s appeal, which runs throughout the festive period, will be invested in grassroots youth work projects, initiatives to support emotional wellbeing and improve young people’s mental health services, and innovative work to reduce child poverty in the UK.
Many readers have sent messages of support along with their online donations explaining why they were so keen to donate. “I hope the appeal can make a difference to young people’s lives, and also help to give them hope,” said one donor.
Alison Garnham, the chief executive of Child Poverty Action Group, said: “We are absolutely delighted by the way Guardian and Observer readers have responded. If ever there was a time to take action against child poverty and improve children’s life chances, it is now. With your support, in 2021 we will be able to do much more to boost family incomes and tackle child poverty.”
Ndidi Okezie, the UK Youth chief executive, said: “This extraordinary demonstration of generosity will make a huge impact. Through this appeal, UK Youth will be able to fund youth services that are at the brink of closure. It also sends an important message to the young people that we support – through this crisis we stand with you, we support you and we believe in you.”
Young Minds’ chief executive, Emma Thomas, added: “Thanks to the wonderful support of Guardian and Observer readers, the money raised will make a huge difference to the lives of young people. This generosity will help us in our mission to stop young people’s mental health reaching crisis point, at a time when it’s needed most.”
Introducing the appeal earlier this month, the Guardian’s editor-in-chief, Katharine Viner, wrote: “By putting young people at the heart of this year’s Guardian and Observer charity appeal, we signal our support for the generation we hope will flourish after Covid. Today’s young people must not become a lost generation.”
• The appeal continues until midnight on Sunday 10 January.
