Appeal launched in Scotland to help people of Ukraine reaches £10m in less than four days

An appeal launched in Scotland to help the people of Ukraine has reached £10m in less than four days.

Thousands of people across Scotland have donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal since it opened last Thursday.

Donations across the UK have broken the £100m barrier – at a rate of over £1m per hour since official launch.

The committee brings together 15 leading aid charities from across Scotland and the UK.

Funds raised are being used to help with humanitarian efforts, including the provision of items such as blankets and hygiene supplies, as well as emergency food for families.

Around 18 million people are projected to become affected by the conflict in Ukraine, whilst 4 million people are expected to be displaced.

DEC said that thanks to the public’s generosity, supported by £2m from the Scottish Government and £25m in match-funding from the UK Government, DEC charities have already started to use funds to deliver vital aid and scale up their response.

Charities working in Ukraine and at the borders have urged people to show their support through cash donations rather by giving specific items, which although well-meaning may often not be what people need and are expensive to transport.

Marie Hayes, Scotland director for the British Red Cross and chair of the DEC Appeal in Scotland, offered her thanks to everyone who is helping to support Ukrainians.

“This amazing support for people fleeing the conflict has meant that we are able to start spending more money straight away to help more people,” she said.

“The British Red Cross, through our international networks are working inside Ukraine and on its borders helping with food, shelter as well as psychological support.

“The conflict shows no sign of letting up and our local experts are seeing more and more people having to flee their homes to keep themselves safe.

“We’re expecting the numbers crossing the border to keep increasing in the coming days.

“We thank everyone who is helping us to support them in their moment of greatest need.”