£1.3m raised for Hurricane Irma British Red Cross Appeal

Public has donated over £650,000 since the appeal was launched on 6 September and the UK government is doubling any public donations made.

---

In the first week since Hurricane Irma struck the Caribbean, the British Red Cross appeal has raised over £1.3 million. The public has donated over £650,000 since the British Red Cross appeal was launched on 6 September and the UK government is doubling any public donations made. For every £1 given, another £1 will be matched, up to £3 million.

One of the most destructive hurricanes in the region’s recent history, Irma has impacted communities in more than a dozen Caribbean nations and Island territories, destroying or severely damaging thousands of buildings, and claiming at least 40 lives. It is estimated that more than 1.2 million people have been affected.

The Red Cross are providing drinking water, family hygiene kits, blankets, tarpaulins, and other emergency supplies across the islands.

Mike Adamson, chief executive of the British Red Cross, said:

“We are overwhelmed by the British public’s generosity in helping us respond to those affected by the devastating Hurricane Irma. We are on the ground providing people with urgent access to clean water and shelter now. “

International Development Secretary Priti Patel said:

“Hurricane Irma has left devastation across the Caribbean and Overseas Territories. Once again, Britain has acted without hesitation and UK aid funded food, water, emergency healthcare and shelter kits are being delivered to those affected right now. “

Original source: Department for International Development.
Posted on 14 September 2017