Guardian and Observer charity appeal 2024 raises more than £1.7m

An amazing £1,735,000 has been raised by Guardian and Observer readers for our charity appeal in support of victims of war and conflict.

More than 15,800 readers donated to the appeal, which closed at midnight on Sunday evening. It was the highest sum raised by the annual appeal since 2016 and the 10th successive year that readers have given more than £1m.

The money raised will benefit three charities: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and War Child, which carry out frontline medical aid work in war zones, and Parallel Histories, which helps schools teach sensitive and controversial histories such as those of Northern Ireland as well as Israel and Palestine.

The inspiring work of our three partner charities has been featured in a series of articles, a short film and a Today in Focus podcast over the past few weeks.

Hundreds of readers have left email messages of support via the online donation page. One reader said: “I have no lived experience of war, and so my small donation is my way of saying I care, you do matter, and I’d like to help in a very small way to change something for someone somewhere.”

Another said: “My heart goes out to those caught up in the horror that is war. Anything that anyone can do to help those people is a drop in the ocean but at least something. My heartfelt thanks to those who are doing something.”

One emailed to say: “It’s so important that we do all we can to stand with people, to show we care and can act for peace, humanity and for young lives to have a future.”

Our partner charities paid tribute to readers for their generosity.

Dr Natalie Roberts, executive director of MSF UK, said: “Thank you to Guardian and Observer readers who have donated to this appeal. At MSF, we fully rely on support from private donors to continue our work in the most challenging circumstances.

“Thanks to you, we will be able to continue to respond quickly to medical emergencies in conflict situations and deliver life-saving and life-changing care to people where it’s needed most.”

Helen Pattinson, chief executive of War Child UK, said: “This year’s appeal has raised a staggering amount of money to support our work at War Child, and we couldn’t be more grateful to the Guardian, Observer, and their readers for every penny donated.

“Thanks to everyone who has generously supported the appeal, we will continue to provide both psychological health support and immediate emergency aid to children and their families that desperately need it, always keeping in mind our ultimate goal – ensuring a safe future for every child living through war.”

Bill Rammell, chief executive of Parallel Histories, said: “Reader’s contributions have made a real difference to Parallel Histories – your generosity will enable more young people to navigate our divided world, contribute to civic society, and develop their critical thinking, oracy skills and confidence.

He added: “It will help Parallel Histories develop and expand our work in schools teaching and debating contested history. Enabling young people to understand conflict and through building their empathy and understanding, equipping them to contribute to resolving conflict.”

The provisional total for the 2024 appeal, inclusive of estimated gift aid, was £1,735,000. The donations, net of a payment to the appeal donation handler Charities Trust, will be shared between the three charities.