When we see people in crisis we all want to help in some way. Humanitarian aid can save lives.
Giving money, whether a personal donation or from locally raised funds, is normally the most useful donation you can make in humanitarian crises. Particularly to those long-established charities with lots of experience of operating in international relief operations such as The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which brings together 15 leading UK aid charities to raise funds quickly and efficiently through appeals at times of humanitarian crisis overseas.
Dealing with donated goods instead of giving money comes with many risks and difficulties, but there are a few ways that communities can raise funds from, or redistribute, surplus goods in positive ways.
Other ways you can help
You could consider volunteering with a humanitarian aid charity or a local refugee support group to lend a hand. Businesses can also play an important role in supporting people through humanitarian crises for example, by offering expertise, staff time as volunteers or funding to support a project.
In keeping with its commitment to responsible global citizenship, the Scottish Government provides annual funding to support responses to humanitarian emergencies both internationally and within Scotland. This includes direct assistance to those displaced by ongoing crises, such as the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.