Gaza Charity Appeal: SOS Children explain more

In all the contraversy concerning the BBC's refusal to broadcast the "DEC" appeal to help children in Gaza many people have been left wondering what is going on. Particularly worrying was the remark by the BBC that they were unclear what the funds raised by DEC would be spent on. We are making this statement to clarify our position on the ground, and ensure that donors understand what charity appeal funds will be spent on. We control what happens to funds we receive completely, donate here:

SOS Children has been on the ground in the Palestine terrories since 1968 and in Gaza since 1999. Our accounts are trasnparent and well audited. We have a long term commitment to orphaned children in Gaza and to helping families really struggling on the edge to ensure the children can enjoy family life. We also have a mobile peace unit to help children traumatised by war come to terms with what has happened and to try to break the cycle of violence. The families whom we support have suffered considerable hardship from blockages prior to the recent military actions, and these latest actions have left children on our programs wounded and houses destroyed. There is also a considerable need, not just for rebuilding but for trauma support (with children left hysterical by every low flying war plane). In due course there may well turn out to be so many additional orphans that an additional Children's Village is needed to house them. In due course when we have looked at the impact on housing on the most vulnerable people we will have a clear idea of financial need.

For now, we are collecting donations to send to SOS Palestine in response to the crisis in Gaza. Funds will be used to distribute essential items to the neighbours of SOS Children’s Village-Rafah and our programmes. More particularly to families of our family strengthening programme (FSP) and their relatives in need, who have been gravely affected by recent violence in the Gaza Strip. As an when reconstruction costs or new Village construction costs become clear we will appeal for them. In the unlikely event that we receive an excess of funds over and above the immediate needs around us the excess with be spent in Palestine on projects for orphanned and vulnerable children. Given the long term nature of our work and our commitment to traumaticised children we particularly welcome regular donations to our work in the Gaza strip.