Disaster group makes Niger appeal

The group of charities hope to raise £10m from the campaign

Eleven of the UK's leading charities have launched an appeal to help more than two million people facing starvation in drought-hit Niger.

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) raised £300m in the aftermath of the Asian tsunami on 26 December.

Now its Niger Crisis Appeal is open for phone and online donations, with a TV and radio campaign to come next week.

DEC chief executive Brendan Gormley said it was hoped the campaign could raise around £10m.

"We are a service for the British public to know how to get their concerns turned into action on the ground," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

'Easier to give'

Drought and a locust plague have left millions in danger of hunger in Niger, as well as in neighbouring Mali, Mauritania and Burkino Faso.

We only appeal where we know there are real unmet needs that our members can do something timely and effective about Brendan Gormley, chief executive, DEC Niger's people living on the edge Mauritania at risk of hunger

Thirteen of the UK's major aid agencies, including Action Aid, the British Red Cross, World Vision, Oxfam and Save the Children who come together in the DEC to respond to major disasters overseas, hope the public will respond to their appeal.

Many have already launched appeals but Mr Gormley said DEC created a "one-stop shop".

"It makes it easier for people to give - you don't have to choose and know whether it should be Care, World Vision, Save The Children, Red Cross.

"We do it at very reduced costs because we are able to negotiate with the broadcasters, with the banks.

"We only appeal where we know there are real unmet needs that our members can do something timely and effective about," said Mr Gormley.

What donations can buy £10: Rehydration salts for 500 malnourished children £50: Feed a family of seven for up to two months £100: Keep 10 milking cows alive for six weeks Source: Disasters Emergency Committee

The head of the World Food Programme had also asked for DEC's involvement.

Programme proposals to aid the Niger crisis, but needing £8m in funding, have already been put by member charities to DEC.

He said money would be shared between agencies "depending on their size and experience."

Donations can be made at www.dec.org.uk or by calling 0870 60 60 900. From Tuesday donations can be made at any High Street post office or bank.

Meanwhile charity fundraiser Jane Tomlinson, who has terminal cancer, is to donate the proceeds from her appearance in the Salford Triathlon to the Niger crisis.