ISLAND residents have been labelled as fantastically generous after donating over £3,000 to the victims of the Pakistan floods.
Despite national concern that the response to the crisis has been slow, the Isle of Man branch of Oxfam has reported a healthy donation total, which is set to rise further.
Branch manager, Sue Burnham said: "The people of the Isle of Man have been fantastically generous to giving for overseas aid.
"The response to the appeal has been absolutely excellent. To date we have raised £3,000 through our shop alone. This is a similar response to that of the Haiti appeal."
According to United Nations, the floods which are said to be the worst in living memory, have affected 14 million people in the country.
Oxfam’s country director in Pakistan, Neva Khan, appealed for more people to donate. She said: "The people are living in desperate conditions. This is the biggest disaster in the world right now and we all need to get behind it."
The charity’s emergency response service includes supplying people with clean water, sanitation kits and hygiene supplies. Currently they are only accepting monetary donations.
Sue explained: "As much as people want to give something physical it’s not what Oxfam or the Disasters Emergency Commission need. Their money will go towards sending qualified people out to Pakistan to help and support with clean water and sanitation.
"Please come into the shop and donate. Whether it’s 10p, £10 or £100, every penny helps."
Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so by visiting the Oxfam shop in Castle Street, Douglas or online at www.oxfam.org.uk.
