Guardian and Observer forced to cancel charity appeal telethon amid Omicron outbreak

Readers are encouraged to donate via other means after annual phone calls to journalists are hit by rise in Covid cases

The annual telethon for the Guardian and Observer’s charity appeal has been cancelled due to the rise in Omicron cases and renewed advice from the government to work from home.

Related: Help us support those on the frontline of the climate emergency

The 2021 charity appeal is focused on the fight for climate justice, supporting four charities that fight to protect the rights and livelihoods of communities hit by extreme weather events caused by the climate emergency.

The yearly phone-in, in which readers call in to speak to Guardian and Observer journalists as they make their donations, is one of the high points of the fundraising effort. It traditionally takes place in the Guardian offices, with payment details having to be taken on site for regulatory reasons.

This year, readers can still help to make a difference for those whose lives have been severely disrupted by the climate crisis by donating today via the charity appeal website.

Since 2015, Guardian and Observer readers have raised just under £10m through the annual appeals. Launching the 2021 appeal, Katharine Viner, editor-in-chief of the Guardian, wrote: “We see the appeal as a statement of intent, a sign of our commitment to a fairer society; a show of solidarity with the victims of climate injustice; and an ovation for those who fight that injustice.”

• Donations can be made online by credit card, debit card or PayPal, or by phone on 0151 284 1126. We are unable to accept cheques.