The Hunger Day street collection yielded 800,000 euros
Approximately 800,000 euros were collected for the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund during the Hunger Day street collection from 22 to 24 September. The donations will be used to help those in need in Finland and abroad. The Hunger Day collection will continue online until the end of October.
The Hunger Day collection raises uncommitted funds for the Finnish Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Preparing for different disasters and disruptions is a significant part of the Red Cross’s work both in Finland and around the world. With the help of Hunger Day donations, the Red Cross can provide aid quickly exactly where needed.
Back home, the Disaster Relief Fund is used to maintain preparedness to help in sudden accidents and disruptions. The Finnish Red Cross supports the authorities in sudden crises. Trained volunteers offer emotional support to those that have experienced a crisis and material support to those that have lost their home in a fire.
There is a dire need for help around the world right now, especially in East Africa and Pakistan, which are suffering from food insecurity and exceptional flooding, respectively.
“We are currently aiding people in Ethiopia and Somalia by providing cash assistance, which will help those in need to buy food and medicine. Each donation to the Disaster Relief Fund is important and will help aid to reach those in need quickly,” says Director of International Operations and Programmes at the Finnish Red Cross Tiina Saarikoski.
In Pakistan, exceptionally heavy monsoon rains have caused uncontrollable flooding and landslides, which already affect more than 33 million people. Earlier this month, the Finnish Red Cross directed 100,000 euros from the Disaster Relief Fund to an International Red Cross aid operation in the flood areas in Pakistan.
Hunger Day collection to continue until the end of October
The Hunger Day street collection was held last week and volunteers could be seen on streets and various events all over Finland.
“Box collection is a prominent part of Hunger Day and a low-threshold way to help. Collectors and donors alike are very happy to meet each other face to face once again. I would like to extend a warm thank you to all volunteers that participated in the Hunger Day collection and each donor,” says Head of Fundraising Operations Anna Laurinsilta.
The Hunger Day collection accepts donations until the end of October.