Source: http://www.dfid.gov.uk/
The Government of UK has launched The UK Aid Match scheme under which public support for charity appeals will be matched pound for pound, or in other words, the government will double the money donated by the public to appeals for charity projects in developing countries. This means the British public will now have a say in how part of the aid budget is spent.
The first appeal to receive support from the scheme is Save the Children’s Born to Shine fundraiser on ITV1. Public donations throughout the final episode of Born to Shine will be matched by the Government. This support will mean Save the Children can help more mothers and children get vital health and nutrition in some of the world’s poorest countries.
“Every day, the British public demonstrates its generosity and commitment to reducing poverty in the developing world by donating their money to appeals and charities,” said International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell. “By matching pound for pound the money that people give, the Government and the British taxpayer will be supporting their choice and contributing to poverty reduction in developing countries. Save the Children’s Born to Shine appeal will contribute to a brighter future for thousands of children, and today’s announcement is an excellent example of how the public, the Government and the charity sector can work together on the shared goals of improving the lives of some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world.”
Justin Forsyth, CEO of Save the Children said, “We are delighted the Government is going to match every pound that people donate for children overseas through ITV’s Born to Shine appeal for Save the Children. This Sunday is the final show of the series and we hope people will feel even more inspired to pick up the phone and donate to help children overseas, knowing that their gifts will be doubled thanks to the Government’s funds too.”
