BRITISH RED CROSS

For thousands of vulnerable people in the UK and overseas, the Red Cross is a sign of hope in crisis, meeting both immediate and longer term needs. Donations to our General Fund Appeal can be used to support all our work. Our experience of working with people in emergency situations around the world means we can allocate our resources in the most effective ways possible. "The British Red Cross will use your donation wherever the need is greatest, both internationally and in the UK." In the case of the recent floods in Cumbria, our General Funds meant we had local, well-trained volunteers who were ready to respond immediately, and that they had the equipment they needed, including search and rescue boats and 4x4 ambulances.

For something a bit different, why not donate £25 to our Ducks campaign or £50 to our Cows campaign. Your donation will help us carry on our life-saving work around the world by making sure we are ready to respond whenever or wherever we are needed. As a thank you, we will send you a free cotton shopping bag with a duck or cow design and a gift card.

Gift Aid is one of the simplest and most effective ways of giving to charity. Under Gift aid, for every £1 you give we can claim back just over 28p more, at no extra cost to you. So do remember to tick the gift aid box when making your donation.