28/01/10

By Andrew Holt

Donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) have topped £50m two weeks since the devastating earthquake hit Haiti. This represents an average donation of over four million pounds each day since the DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal was launched.

According to a recent survey of over 1,000 adults carried out for the Charities Aid Foundation, almost half the UK population (48%) have already donated to the Haiti disaster appeal. Of those who haven't given yet, nearly two thirds (62%) say they might, or plan to in the future.

Brendan Gormley, chief executive of the Disasters Emergency Committee commented: "This is a fantastic show of support by the UK public and their substantial response to the appeal has shown a widespread compassion and willingness to help the millions of Haitians affected by this terrible tragedy.

"The UK public's generosity has enabled our member agencies to work tirelessly during the last fortnight to deliver emergency supplies in the form of food, water and medical care. But whilst we are hugely grateful for this outstanding support, the situation remains critical in Haiti and we are still working flat out to reach many more survivors with aid. This is no time to sit back and congratulate ourselves.

"The earthquake has affected millions of people and entire lives need to be rebuilt from the ruins. So I would urge people to continue donating, as this aid effort will continue for many years."

Donations have mainly been made over the phone and online, but also include corporate, postal, events, SMS and over-the-counter donations.

The influence of social networking and new technology has also greatly contributed to the success of the appeal.

The security situation in Haiti is becoming more challenging, and co-ordination and logistical problems remain very serious.

However, in the last 24 hours the work of our member agencies has included:

Red Cross
More than 2.5 million litres of water have been distributed by the Red Cross Red Crescent

13,000 people (more than 2,000 households) received tarpaulins, tents, blankets, hygiene kits, kitchen sets and jerry cans

Emergency health kits for 30,000 people have been distributed across the capital.

10 shipping containers with relief items for approximately 5,000 families has been unloaded in port Ha

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