The Guardian's Hope appeal has raised more than £1m to support five grassroots charities that work to foster community, tolerance and empathy as an antidote to social division and hatred. The appeal, which closed on Thursday, will distribute the funds among Citizens UK, the Linking Network, Locality, Hope Unlimited Charitable Trust and Who Is Your Neighbour?.
Guardian editor-in-chief Katharine Viner said: 'The theme of this year’s Guardian charity appeal was hope, supporting fantastic projects that foster community, tolerance and empathy.' She noted the paper's reporting on rising racist abuse, demonisation of refugees and far-right marches, and thanked readers for their generosity, which 'sends a clear message about standing up to hate and bringing people together.'
Over six weeks, the Guardian published features and films showcasing the partners' projects, from affordable housing and youth clubs to arts initiatives and food kitchens. More than 10,000 readers donated, raising £1,035,000 including Gift Aid. One reader wrote: 'I’m so glad the Guardian is supporting organisations which bring people together, supporting what is humane and in common amongst us all.'
The Linking Network said the funds would 'engage more children and young people with our work of building more connected communities.' Locality chief executive Tony Armstrong thanked readers for 'their huge generosity' which will 'create resilience, pride and opportunity in some of our most disadvantaged neighbourhoods.' Who Is Your Neighbour? said donations would help 'grow our work in places it can help bring hope' and create 'more conversations that matter across the country.'
Over the past 11 years, the Guardian appeal has raised more than £16m for causes including refugee support, homelessness, child poverty, victims of conflict and the climate crisis.
