War Child Winter Appeal

War Changes Everything

The theme of the Guardian and Observer’s 2024 Winter Appeal focuses on the theme War Changes Everything, and aims to convey how war turns lives upside down, shining a spotlight on the devastating impact of war and violence.  The three charities they’re supporting this year are Médecins Sans Frontières, Parallel Histories and War Child.

We’ve proud to have worked very closely with War Child, having designed and built their website, which went live in March 2022, and provided support since then, so are thrilled that they’ve been chosen to be part of this year’s appeal.

War Child is the only charity uniquely focused on children affected by conflict. Operating in some of the world’s most dangerous regions, it provides emergency aid, protection, education, and mental health support to help children recover from the trauma of war and build a safer future.

Changing children’s lives

Active in 14 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, War Child collaborates with local communities and governments to create safe spaces where children can play, learn, and access vital care. It also advocates for children’s rights, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs addressed.

“Between April and August 2024, War Child has reached over 1.1 million children,” CEO, Helen Pattinson told The Guardian. “Millions more need our specialist help, in conflict zones all around the world. We know how to change the lives of children who are caught up in wars they did not start, and the vital funds raised from this appeal will allow us to reach them and make this impact.”

Funds raised through this partnership with The Guardian and Observer will support War Child’s essential work, including providing life-saving emergency aid, delivering education, and offering specialist mental health programmes to ensure a brighter future for children affected by conflict.

The appeal runs from December 6 to January 13 and, as part of the campaign, Guardian and Observer journalists will be taking part in a telethon on Saturday December 14 between 10am and 6pm to raise money for the selected charities. More information about the appeal and the first story about War Child’s work, focusing on how they provide mental health support on the frontline in Gaza, was featured in last Saturday’s Guardian newspaper.  

 Last year over 12,750 Guardian readers donated £1.42m to benefit three charities helping asylum seekers, Refugee Councils of Britain, Refugees at Home and the No Accommodation Network (Naccom). 

You can find out more here