​Generous Scots dig deep for the crisis-hit region

Cash raised in Scotland by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) for East Africa has reached £4m it has been revealed.

Since the appeal was opened over two weeks ago by well-known figures - including Bill Nighy, Sir Mo Farrah, Eddie Redmayne and Brenda Blethyn - a steady stream of donations has been flowing in from the public at a rate of over £2,000 per minute in the UK.

Made up of all of the major aid charities,the DEC combines their efforts during the world’s worst crises.

Member charities are already on the ground delivering life saving assistance in all the affected countries.

The ‘period of joint action’ amongst the 13 member charities closed on Tuesday (28 March) but the DEC is still taking donations for the appeal.

Donations have been received from the Scottish Government as well as companies, and faith groups.

Across Scotland, the general public have been busking, holding bake sales, running marathons, shaking collection buckets and raising awareness for the 16 million people across East Africa who are on the brink of starvation and in urgent need of food, water and medical treatment.

Employers have been matching employee donations, trusts and foundations have rallied to the call and children as young as four-year-old Henry, have even been donating their pocket money.

DEC chair in Scotland, Neil Mathers said: “Scots are always so generous during DEC appeals, giving far more per capita than the rest of the UK. We hugely appreciate every contribution we receive, it really is saving lives”.

“It’s been so inspiring to see how Scots have responded to this desperate need and to hear the passion and creativity they have put into fundraising. I cannot thank everyone enough for their support.

“Our 13 member charities are already on the ground delivering vital life-saving assistance to some of the worst affected people. We are now getting reports of how food aid is getting through”.