DEC Congo appeal shoots past £4 million mark in four days despite financial squeeze

25 November 2008 The DEC Congo (DR) appeal has raised over £4 million in the UK since launching on Thursday, November 20. There were over 25,000 donations on the first night alone, with money continuing to come in over the course of the weekend.

The donations have come despite the credit crunch and the slump in retail spending over the past few weeks.

Brendan Gormley, Chief Executive of the DEC said: "The generosity of the British public has been fantastic, especially considering the current economic climate. This money has a real effect on the ground and we need your continuing support to help even more individuals and families displaced, hurt or separated by the crisis."

The money raised through the DEC appeal goes straight to the member agencies, many of whom have a long history of working in the Congo. The new influx of donations will allow them to scale up their operations in the region, according to CAFOD spokesperson Nana Anto-Awuakye: "Today our first shipment of humanitarian aid will finally reach Rutshuru, with distribution of crucial supplies to around 12,500 people in desperate need."

To make a donation to the DEC Congo (DR) Crisis appeal call 0370 60 60 900, visit http://www.dec.org.uk or donate over the counter at any post office or high street bank

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Notes to Editors

1. The DEC is an organization of 13 leading UK Aid agencies; Action Aid, British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International UK, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Help the Aged, Islamic Relief, Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund, World Vision. Its board consists of the 13 Chief Executive chaired by an independent Trustee and a further 5 independent Trustees.

2. For new footage, photographs, case studies and pre-recorded or live interviews with both aid agency staff on the ground and in the UK, please contact the DEC press office on 0207 387 0200 or, out of hours, on 07930 999014.