Ross Hornsey
Communications Manager
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In a UK-first, the City of Edinburgh Council and humanitarian charity Mercy Corps have teamed up to create a quick-start fundraising process in response to crises overseas.
The move follows successful working between the Council and Mercy Corps after the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004, when £600,000 was raised for the people of Aceh, one of the areas hardest hit by the tsunami.
Jenny Dawe, Leader of City of Edinburgh Council, with Mercy Corps Scotland's Executive Director Mervyn Lee and Chairman Jock Encombe Photo: Lewis Houghton
Mervyn Lee, Executive Director of Mercy Corps explained more about the idea: “People are amazingly generous when they hear about the plight of others and they want to give quickly. You rarely know when a disaster is coming and it takes time to set-up appeals, but through this partnership we’ll always be ready to issue information and able to take donations. Together, we can have a real impact, not just with immediate aid, but by helping to rebuild shattered communities over the long-term.”
Appeal materials and a Mercy Corps ‘microsite’ where people can make donations will be in place, ready to be customised in response to a specific incident. The Council and RBS will also publicise the appeal internally and through branches and offices.
Lord Provost, Cllr George Grubb, said: “While we’re proud to be part of this innovative venture, I have to stress that there will be many other charities operating in response to a disaster that are equally worthy of support. But, when tragedy strikes, we will be prepared. Our staff, Edinburgh residents, and our near neighbours, have a long and proud tradition of reaching out to those in less fortunate circumstances and I’m sure they will act with the same generosity in the future.”
The Capital Appeal for Tsunami Survivors provided vital support for people in the Aceh Province of Indonesia, where homes and schools were destroyed, as well as almost all the local cultural facilities. The funds raised by Edinburgh residents and businesses created immediate shelters, emergency learning activities and artistic opportunities which were important for helping the community to rebuild.
The scheme has cross-party support by the Council but needs to be formally approved at the Policy and Strategy committee on 4 August. It is then expected to be fully operational during the Autumn.
Media contacts
Ross Hornsey, Mercy Corps
0131 662 5164 / 0791 753 2954
Lynn McMath, The City of Edinburgh Council
0131 529 4428
Notes to editors
Mercy Corps (www.mercycorps.org.uk) has worked in the last 30 years to provide £600m of aid to people in 106 countries.
Mercy Corps helps people in the world’s toughest places turn the crises of natural disaster, poverty and conflict into opportunities for progress. Driven by local needs and market conditions, our programmes provide communities with the tools and support they need to transform their own lives. Our worldwide team of 3,700 professionals is improving the lives of 14.5 million people in more than 40 countries.
Appeals initiated by the arrangement with Mercy Corps are not intended to be exclusive routes for giving by either Council staff or members of the public. The arrangement also does not preclude the Council working with any other charities. Any communications from will make clear that there may be other ways of giving, e.g. through other charities.
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