Telegraph readers have raised a record £200,000 in the first 72 hours of its new charity appeal, to help those hit hardest financially by the coronavirus crisis.
Since the launch of the Telegraph Coronavirus Appeal on Friday, the paper’s readers have donated the huge sum to help those who have been left with serious money problems by the impact of COVID-19.
The money will be donated to the national poverty charity Turn2Us, which gives away millions of pounds each year in direct grants to people in need, as well as providing a wealth of practical information and support via its helpline and website.
According to Turn2Us, almost a quarter of a million households (242,000) in the UK have checked their benefit entitlements using the charity’s online Benefits Calculator: a 520 per cent increase from two weeks ago. At the same time, many are applying for its emergency grants, which can usually be paid out within a few days.
Thomas Lawson, chief executive of Turn2Us, told the paper’s readers: “We are staggered that through this appeal so many Telegraph readers have come together and raised an incredible sum of money to help people across the country in this dire time of need.
“It is a real demonstration of both solidarity and compassion that people stand together and act, when it’s needed most. Sadly, we know the situation will continue to get worse for so many; and so the more support that is given, the more families we can save from falling into poverty.
“Even before the coronavirus, there were millions of people across the UK living without enough money to get by. Undoubtedly the most vulnerable in our society will be the hardest hit, but people who have always been financially secure or comfortable are experiencing similar devastating financial problems.”
The charity was initially founded in 1897 as the Distressed Gentlefolks’ Aid Association, and has supported people through Two World Wars and the 1918 flu pandemic. Now it is dealing with the fall-out from Covid-19.
“At Turn2Us, we make cash grants to people and families; and offer support and guidance to millions more. The Telegraph Coronavirus Appeal will help us expand our support and provide crisis grants to people who are unable to work and who need money to pay bills, make essential purchases and put food on the table.”
To make a donation, please visit telegraph.co.uk/appeal or call 0151 284 1927 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
