The Guardian's Hope appeal has raised more than £850,000 thanks to generous readers, with the campaign now entering its final days and aiming to reach £1m. The funds support five grassroots charities working to tackle division, racism, and hatred.
The appeal benefits Citizens UK, the Linking Network, Locality, Hope Unlimited Charitable Trust, and Who is Your Neighbour?. These organisations run practical projects fostering empathy and tolerance, such as affordable housing initiatives, youth clubs, arts projects, and food banks.
Readers have expressed strong support, with one donor stating: 'I am so worried about the division being sown between people in the UK. Bringing people together is a powerful mitigation.' Another wrote: 'I am appalled hearing the hateful and divisive rhetoric from many politicians... I want to help people who are trying to help those in need.'
The Guardian has highlighted the charities' work through articles and films, including Josh Halliday's account of Citizens UK facing down a threatened racist attack on a Liverpool refugee centre, and Taj Ali's film on Locality member Back on the Map revitalising a Sunderland neighbourhood after far-right riots.
Gurinder Josan Singh, chair of Hope Unlimited Charitable Trust, said: 'We are incredibly grateful... We believe by funding local organisations at the forefront of the fight against hate and division, your donations will make a huge difference in bringing people together and building hope.'
