The One Million Claps campaign is the latest fundraising appeal launched to help raise £5 million by encouraging the public to donate to the NHS as well as clap for carers tonight.
The new clapping appeal aims to encourage at least one million people to donate £5 each via text to support NHS Charities Together, an association representing 143 NHS charities across the country.
Over the past two weeks, people have been coming together every Thursday at 8pm to clap for NHS workers from their doors, windows, balconies and gardens in the Clap For Our Carers initiative.
The public is now being asked to turn the claps into more concrete support and donate to the NHS Charities Together coronavirus appeal.
According to the appeal’s Virgin Money Giving page, at least £25m has been raised so far. The figure does not account for offline donations.
The funds will be used to support NHS workers in a number of ways, from wellbeing packages to covering travel costs.
The One Million Claps appeal is also being promoted through a short video shared on social media, which features a cover of the Queen hit We Will Rock You.
To donate Text CLAP followed by your message of support to 70507 to give £5.
Ellie Orton, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, said:
“Like everyone else, I’ve been incredibly moved by the millions of us showing our public support for our health service over the last two Thursday evenings.
“I really hope One Million Claps inspires those who can to give a donation that will make a real difference to the amazing staff and volunteers who are daily saving lives and battling against this horrible virus on our behalf.”
“Thousands of staff are risking their lives every day for us and many of them are now sick themselves or at breaking point. If we can raise £5 million tonight, it will go a long way to providing them and their families with the support they so desperately need.”
