The Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator have published guidance on how to “give with confidence” to registered charities helping people affected by the stabbings in Southport.
Earlier this week, Merseyside police reported that three young girls had died as a result of injuries sustained in a knife attack in Southport on Monday morning.
Following the attack, the Community Foundation for Merseyside, Sefton Council for Voluntary Service and Sefton Council launched an urgent fundraising appeal on JustGiving to support victims, survivors and their families.
The charity regulators said they want to ensure that “every donation reaches its intended cause”, and urged the public to follow their recommended safer giving checks.
‘We want to ensure every donation reaches its intended cause’
At the time of writing, the Southport Strong Together Appeal had raised over £60,000.
Its fundraising page says that donations to the appeal will go directly to those who have lost loved ones or sustained physical or psychological injuries and be awarded as grants to charities providing vital support services to those affected.
The Commission and Fundraising Regulator advised anyone who wants to donate to a charity in response to the attack to check its name and registration number on the charity register.
They said donors should ensure a charity is genuine before giving any financial information and be careful when responding to emails or clicking on links within them.
The regulators also recommended that donors look for the fundraising badge and check the Fundraising Regulator’s directory of organisations that are committed to fundraising in line with the Code of Fundraising Practice.
David Holdsworth, chief executive of the Charity Commission, said: “My heart goes out to the families of the victims of this horrific attack. Their pain is unimaginable.
“Many Charity Commission staff are based in Merseyside, and this tragedy has deeply affected all of us who live and work here.
“As so often, charities are bringing people together to provide support for the victims and the wider community.
“That, along with the generosity of people who are showing their support by making donations, is heartening, and people can continue to give to registered, established charities knowing they are well placed to get that help to them quickly.”
Gerald Oppenheim, chief executive of the Fundraising Regulator, said: “The attack in Southport is horrifying and devastating.
“In the aftermath of this tragedy, we know the British public will be eager to support those affected.
“We want to make sure that every donation reaches its intended cause, and one of the ways of making sure this happens is by following our recommended safer giving checks.
“Giving through registered charities like the Community Foundation for Merseyside appeal will ensure your donations reach their intended destination and are used for the purpose they were fundraised for.
“We’ll be taking an active role, to support those raising money for the community.”
Related articles
