Post Office drives world record-breaking fundraising effort for Ukraine

Post Office customers donated more than £2.2m through branches to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

It helped support a fundraising campaign that’s now been recognised by Guinness World Records as the most money raised by an online charitable appeal in one week.

Launched in March 2022 following the escalation of the war in Ukraine, the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal generated unprecedented public support across the UK.

The appeal went on to raise a total of £446.3m, including more than £2.2m donated through the Post Office’s nationwide network.

Humanitarian aid

The recognition comes as the DEC publishes its Final Programme Report, marking the conclusion of one of the largest humanitarian fundraising campaigns in UK history.

Post Offices played a vital role in enabling communities to support the appeal. Across approximately 4,000 participating branches, around 75% of donations were made in cash, underlining the continuing importance of face-to-face services and the trusted role Post Offices play in making charity giving accessible to everyone.

The figures demonstrate that, even in an increasingly digital world, cash remains an important way for many people to contribute to good causes, the Post Office said.

By providing a convenient and trusted channel for donations, postmasters and branch teams helped ensure people could support the appeal in the way that suited them best.

Life-changing

The appeal reached more than 10m people across Ukraine and neighbouring countries, providing life-changing support including improved access to water, sanitation, shelter, accommodation and more.

Ross Borkett, financial services director at Post Office, said: “The DEC’s Guinness World Record is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the generosity of people across the UK in response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.”

“Significantly, around three-quarters of donations made through participating Post Office branches were made in cash, demonstrating the vital role they continue to play in their communities.”