Generous readers of The Guardian have propelled a major charity appeal close to its £1 million target, with funds dedicated to combating a worrying surge in racism and social hatred across the United Kingdom.
Appeal Enters Final Days with Strong Support
The newspaper's Hope appeal for 2025 has now gathered more than £950,000 in donations as it enters its concluding phase. The fundraising drive will close at midnight on Wednesday, with the ambitious goal of reaching the seven-figure sum. All money raised is destined for frontline voluntary groups actively campaigning against extremism, hostile anti-migrant rhetoric, and what has been described as a resurgence of "1970s-style racism" in British society.
Five partner charities are set to benefit directly from the public's generosity: Citizens UK, the Linking Network, Locality, Hope Unlimited Charitable Trust, and Who is Your Neighbour?. These organisations work at a community level to bridge divides and foster understanding.
Readers Explain Their Motivation to Give
Thousands of individuals have contributed, with many using the donations page to explain their reasons for supporting the cause. One donor commented, "I'm pretty broke... but brokeness is relative. I was inspired to make a small donation... Seems such a good cause, and the case so well put, I couldn't resist."
Another expressed deep concern about the normalisation of prejudice, writing, "I am finding the creeping and brazen racially prejudicial comments now entering even within my own social network very worrying." They emphasised the vital importance of work that brings communities together and challenges polarising narratives.
A further supporter highlighted the timing of the appeal, stating, "In times like these when the far right among others are doing their worst to spread hatred and division, the work of these charities... is more crucial than ever."
Charities Hail "Investment in a More Compassionate Society"
Trustees from the beneficiary charities have voiced their gratitude. Molly Conrad, a trustee at The Linking Network, said, "A huge thank you to Guardian readers for your generosity and support. Your donations will greatly support our mission to bring children from diverse backgrounds together, helping them learn from one another and embrace difference."
She powerfully framed the contributions as an "investment in a more accepting and compassionate society." The appeal's cross-party relevance was underscored in a recent Guardian article featuring an interview with Labour MP Gurinder Singh Josan and former Tory MP Kris Hopkins, both trustees of Hope Unlimited, who have found common ground in fighting racism despite political differences.
In a weekend column, Katharine Viner, the Guardian's editor-in-chief, thanked those who have already donated and made a final call for support: "It is not too late to give to the appeal, which closes at midnight on Wednesday evening... I offer my gratitude in advance to those whom we hope we can still persuade to contribute."
