At a time when the behaviour of the press is under scrutiny from the Leveson inquiry, UK newspapers have chosen a wide range of charities for their Christmas appeals this year.
The Guardian will split its appeal fund between eight charities supporting disadvantaged teenagers and young people. They are; Tomorrow’s People, the Boxing Academy, St Giles Trust, Community Links, FARE, Just for Kids Law, Street League and Magic Me.
The Independent has also selected a number of charities with the common purpose of supporting disadvantaged children. Launching its appeal with the moving story of Ahmed Sheikh Jamale, a Kenyan father struggling for his children's survival amidst a backdrop of drought and famine, the Independent supports Save the Children, the Rainbow Trust Children's Charity and the Children's Society.
The Mirror is asking its readers to donate to an old coat to Age UK shops, to persuade their MP to sign Age UK’s Winter Pledge and to donate money via text. Celebrities including Daniel Craig, Graham Norton, Dame Helen Mirren and Fearne Cotton have donated coats for the newspaper to auction on Ebay. The auction will close on 11 December 2011.
The Times has selected the Alzheimer’s Society, Warchild and Greenhouse. The Telegraph has also selected three charities; Riding for the Disabled Association, Skillforce and AfriKids.
Last month the Department for International Development revealed it would match the amount raised by the Financial Times and City AM Christmas appeals. The Financial Times has chosen Sightsavers and City AM’s first appeal is supporting Opportunity International UK.
