Pledge to match cash donated to charities
THE PUBLIC is to be given a say in how UK development aid is spent, as the Government pledges to match every pound donated to a set of appeals.
More than 20 UK-based charities have been chosen to take part in the UK Aid Match programme, which launches next month.
International Development Secretary Priti Patel urged people to donate their old “round pound” coins, which stop being legal tender in October, as part of the appeal.
Charities chosen to take part include Action Against Hunger, World Child Cancer, Concern Worldwide, Hope and Homes for Children, Mine Advisory Group, Hope for Children and Build Africa.
“The overwhelming generosity of the UK public in times of crisis is one of the things that makes Britain truly great,” said Ms Patel.
“By matching pound for pound donations to charities of all sizes from across the country, we can champion a wide range of causes close to people’s hearts.
“Old pound coins are due to got out of circulation in October, so by getting rid of old change, the public can help to double the amount great causes receive, ensuring their support goes even further.”
Donors can see which charities are taking part in the scheme by looking for the UK Aid Match logo, featuring the Union Flag. As much as £30m of official aid money from the Department for International Development is expected to be allocated to around 25 appeals from September to March, with each charity able to receive a maximum of £5m. DOZENS OF white doves were released into the sky at the opening of this year’s Notting Hill Carnival as a sign of respect for those who died in the Grenfell Tower fire.
The official opening ceremony yesterday began with a multifaith prayer and release of doves as a “small act of remembrance”, to mark the tragedy which claimed the lives of at least 80 people on June 14.
The white birds were released from the hands of survivors and local residents, as well as leader of Kensington and Chelsea council Elizabeth Campbell, mayor of London Sadiq Khan and local MP Emma Dent Coad.
Ms Dent Coad addressed the “Grenfell generation”, telling them: “Today is a day to set aside our burden of sadness.”
The Bishop of Kensington, the Rt Rev Dr Graham Tomlin, was among those leading the opening prayers, offering three prayers of hope, harmony and healing.
He said: “My prayer is that, in these two days, God will give us his rest, his hope, his harmony, and his ear.” Crowds fell silent during an emotional performance of by Brenda Emmanuel.
Handmade green hearts and streamers adorned the judging area, while spectators were decked out in green following a campaign encouraging people to go “green for Grenfell”, which organisers said they hoped would symbolise “reverence and respect amidst the revelry”.
Ms Dent Coad, dressed in white with a green scarf, said: “Today is a day to set aside our burden of sadness, and enjoy some real joy with our families, our friends and our amazing community, which the world now knows about – though it’s always been here, we know that.”