| From individuals standing on street corners to supermarket giants such as Tesco and Asda, people across Dundee, Angus and Perthshire are pouring thousands of pounds into collections being made on behalf of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC).
Red Cross Tayside services manager Alex McGill said his charity alone has collected unbelievable amounts from people and organisations in the region.
“This disaster has been traumatic in one sense because of all the lives lost, but it is amazing in another because of the response shown by people,” he said.
“People are doing spontaneous things themselves.”
Mr McGill continued, “One gentleman went around the streets collecting goods, and although that may not seem much, it is typical of people showing they want to do something.
“Another man in Forfar showed real determination to gather funds on Monday.
“Obviously it was a public holiday and he could not get permission to collect on the street, so he went to the police.
“They said it was okay as long as he stood in the same spot so that they would know who he was. So he stood on that corner all day and collected £560 and donated it to the Red Cross on Thursday.”
Mr McGill said a partnership with Tesco will culminate with Red Cross volunteers joining staff at its four Dundee stores and one in Monifieth to set up collection points.
It is estimated that the combined total will be somewhere in the region of £8000, based on levels reached between Christmas and New Year.
Asda Milton of Craigie is to hand over in excess of £2000 to the Red Cross on Friday from similar donation stands.
“The money is coming in thick and fast and these are just a few of the many people and organisations donating," he said.
“Other charities such as Oxfam are also taking in large amounts so it is hard to say what the total figure would be from the region.
“Each of the aid agencies release the money immediately,” added Mr McGill.
“All the monies are mothballed but it is consumed pretty quickly — logistical costs alone are probably just as great as the others."
Governments and organisations worldwide have already pledged £780 million, but that figure will inevitably continue to grow as the relief effort continues.
Anyone wishing to donate to the DEC appeal can call 0870 6060 900 to find out how to donate.
Upon re-opening tomorrow, all post offices and major banks will accept payments for the central fund. Alternatively, charities such as the Red Cross and Oxfam will take donations at stores across the country. |
