National Emergencies Trust coronavirus appeal raises £11m for charities in one week

The National Emergencies Trust coronavirus appeal has raised £11m for charities working directly on the response to the pandemic in just one week.

The appeal, which was set up last week in partnership with the British Red Cross, has received thousands of donations from the public, companies and charitable foundations.

All money raised will be distributed through UK Community Foundations to 46 local foundations to ensure it is being spread across charities working directly on the response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Among the largest donors are the Sainsbury family, Westminster Abbey, Marks and Spencer, RBS, Natwest, Co-op, JustGiving, VirginMoneyGiving and more.

A number of Premier League stars have also backed the campaign by launching #FootballUnited — a new initiative with the aim of raising £100,000 to help the appeal.

“We are delighted that there is growing support for the trust and that we have been able to start getting money out to organisations who can help people within a week of launching,” the trust’s chair, Lord Dannatt said.

“But we need much more. That’s why we are calling on everyone, even at this unsettling time to dig deep and make a contribution. That generosity will ensure that we get through this unprecedented time with our most vulnerable communities cared for and supported.”

UK Community Foundatons interim CEO, Rosemary Macdonald added: “Never before have we had to pull together so quickly to support the most vulnerable in our society. Through our network of 46 community foundations, we have an in-depth understanding of local need and will ensure the generous donations support local groups to tackle this crisis.”

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