RNLI sees 2,000% spike in donations after criticism of migrant rescue
Donations to the RNLI have rocketed in support of the rescue of migrant boats crossing the English Channel.
Online donations to the charity passed the £200,000 mark in the last 24 hours, up from around £7,000 on a typical day.
People viewing volunteering opportunities on lifeboat charity’s website increased four times during the same period.
It comes after the RNLI was forced to defend itself from being branded “a taxi service for illegal trafficking gangs” by Nigel Farage and others.
Chief executive Mark Dowie’ said he felt compelled to speak out, revealing volunteers were receiving abuse, and described the crew’s efforts as “humanitarian work of the highest order.”
Jayne George, RNLI fundraising director, said: “We are overwhelmed with the huge level of support we have received from our amazing supporters in the last couple of days.
“We have seen an uplift in donations, with over £200,000 being donated yesterday alone through a combination of one-off donations, new regular support and supporters increasing their regular donation amount. This is simply incredible.”
I stand by my comments that the @RNLI are being used as a taxi service for illegal trafficking gangs.
Here is my message to them after they picked a fight with me in The Guardian today. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/MsyM59bIUJ— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) July 28, 2021
However, a “small number” of others contacted the RNLI to withdraw financial support following the boss’s decision to speak out and praise volunteers’ work during the migrant crisis.
The organisation said it faced criticism for rescuing migrants in the Channel in the last five years, but particularly in recent weeks, with a London-based crew having to call the police after receiving abuse at the weekend.
It prompted Mr Dowie to give a series of interviews in which he said the sea charity was “doing the right thing” by going to people’s aid, regardless of their reason for being in the water.
Responding to the spike in donations since Mr Dowie’s intervention, Ms George said: “This was never a fundraising campaign. We simply wanted to tell the story of our crews and make it clear that our charity exists to save lives at sea.
“Our mission is to save every one.
“Our supporters’ kindness means so much to us, without them we could not save lives at sea, every one is a lifesaver.”
She also signalled that Mr Dowie’s comments also had a negative impact on some donors.
She said: “We know that this is a polarising issue and people have strong opinions on the subject.
“Sadly, a small number of supporters have contacted us to withdraw their support.”
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