Star-studded concert to launch Emergency Action Alliance Ukraine appeal

The Emergency Action Alliance (EAA) has today launched their first emergency appeal in conjunction with media partner ABC.

A two-hour Concert for Ukraine will bring together leading names from the music world, including Ed Sheeran, Camila Cabelo and Manic Street Preachers, to raise money for victims of the humanitarian disaster.

Screening on ABC TV Plus tonight, March 30 at 8.30pm (AEDT) the all-star event will spread a message of hope and support while raising funds for EAA to address the immediate needs of people fleeing the conflict, and in the long road ahead.

This is the first emergency appeal for Emergency Action Alliance, bringing together 15 of Australia’s leading aid charities to form a single fundraising entity when major disasters take place overseas.

Viewers of the Concert for Ukraine will be able to donate throughout the evening, and in the following two weeks. All money raised will complement the recently announced $2 million Federal Government contribution to Emergency Action Alliance’s Ukraine Appeal, as well as proceeds from existing EAA member Ukraine appeals.

Kerren Morris, Executive Director at EAA said: “This is the moment when we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine who have had to flee a terrible conflict that continues to rage. Our 15 members believe this is the moment where we come together to raise more funds and have even greater impact during the recovery and rebuilding phase. We are excited to partner with ABC on this major appeal.”

Susanne Legena, Plan International Australia CEO said: “The humanitarian crisis faced by children caught up in the Ukraine conflict is multiplying by the hour. Each day of continued fighting means countless more lives, homes and childhoods uprooted. Children will bear these wounds – both visible and invisible – long after the fighting has stopped. This important, collective fundraising appeal will help humanitarian organisations such as Plan International Australia continue responding in Ukraine and along its borders with Moldova, Romania and Poland, where millions of refugees are fleeing in search of safety, care and relief.

Viewers will be able to donate money to the cause throughout the evening online through emergencyaction.org.au and via phone on 1300 939 000. Viewers will also be able to catch up on the concert on ABC iview for 30 days after the broadcast and continue to donate after the event has finished.

Notes to editors:

About Emergency Action Alliance (EAA): EAA brings together 15 leading Australian aid charities at times of crisis overseas to raise funds quickly and efficiently. In these times of crisis, people in life-and-death situations need our help and our mission is to save, protect and rebuild lives through effective humanitarian response. EAA’s 15 member charities are: ActionAid Australia, Act For Peace, ADRA, Anglican Overseas Aid, Australia for UNHCR, Australian Lutheran World Service, Baptist World Aid Australia, Care Australia, Caritas Australia, CBM Australia, ChildFund Australia, Oxfam Australia, Plan International Australia, Save the Children Australia and Tearfund Australia.

Twelve of EAA’s 15 members are either responding or planning to respond in Ukraine or in neighbouring countries and will receive funds from this appeal. Some may work through trusted local partners while others will work through their European counterparts.

How to donate:

• Online: https://emergencyaction.org.au/ukraineemergencyappeal
• Phone: 1300 939 000
• SMS: Text ACTION to 0400 662 662

Media contacts:

• Plan International Australia: Claire Knox, 0452326549 / [email protected]
• EAA: Kerren Morris, 0410457869 / [email protected]