Matched fund for Asia-Pacific disasters raises £50,000

In response to the typhoon, a tsunami and two earthquakes that struck parts of the Asia-Pacific region within five days of each other, philanthropist Alec Reed created a matched fund on theBigGive.org.uk to double individual donations to the emergency appeals.

In just six days, £50,000 was raised for the seven participating charities, which included Oxfam and the British Red Cross.

Alec Reed said: "Matched funding challenges are a really effective way of doubling support for projects and charities. This scheme has encouraged much-needed donations for those affected by these terrible disasters."

Founded in October 2007 by Alec Reed CBE to help high-wealth individuals find charities in their field of interest, the Big Give features 6,000 charities and has so far raised more than £5 million.

www.thebiggive.org.uk