Deborah Baker, ActionAid supporter care

Here in the supporter care team, in the deepest depths of Somerset, we have received the most amazing response to our Pakistan emergency appeal, and we wanted to say a HUGE THANKS to all of you that have given so far - your money really is making a difference to those who need it most.

As of yesterday we'd received over £105,000 in donations to this emergency appeal and the sacks of mail keep on arriving.  Today, we've had to draft staff members in from other teams to help with the opening of the post, and it's a real hive of activity as we aim to enter into our systems all the donations we've received by the end of each day. On top of this, the donation phone line is ringing off the hook. 

We're always surprised by your amazing genertosity and your seemingly neverending desire to help us help vulnerable people in their hour of greatest need.

We really do appreciate your support.

Katharine MacVine, ActionAid Community Fundraising Officer

We've had lots of phone calls this week from people wanting to organise an event to raise money for our Pakistan floods appeal. It's a great way to get your friends and family involved and to help people who have lost everything.

We’re here to provide you with ideas and support every step of the way. There are also loads of resources available.

* request your fundraising pack today on 020 7561 7667 or events@actionaid.org
* get the funds rolling in with a sponsorship page on MyActionAid
* and if you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch (020 7561 7667 or events@actionaid.org)

Supporters have been amazingly generous, with £2.5 million already raised by the DEC. We're working now to help people in Pakistan, so please do whatever you can to help.

Jennifer Fash, community events officer

Gill Bustamante, a committed  ActionAid donor, has organised an art exhibition in September. All the artists will be donating their profits to a charity of their choice - and Gill (pictured below) has picked ActionAid.

She got the idea to organise this exhibition from joining an American initiative called Art 4 Causes. Gill told us:

"Recession may be tough but there are very few English people who will be reduced to living in a hut with no roof as is quite common in the  African shanty towns I saw around Durban."

What is it? Paintings by members of the Society of Equestrian Artists (South East)
Where is it? Chequer Mead Arts Centre, East Grinstead
When is it? Thursday 2nd September to Wednesday 8th September 

You can  see more details on Gill's website.

Leslie Sinoway, ActionAid PR team

What have Sierra Leone and that Friday feeling got in common? For the uninitiated the answer is... Millione! This is a gorgeous, pink, lightly sparkling wine that not only tastes good but does good, too.

A donation of £1 from the sale of each and every bottle goes to build primary schools in Sierre Leone. Our target is to sell a million bottles and raise a million quid. Simple? Well, it is if whenever you feel like getting together with friends and cracking open a bottle of something cold you choose Millione.

It definitely kicks off the weekend in the right sort of way… Be one in a Millione!

Deborah Baker, ActionAid supporter care

Had a lovely photo sent in today of four-year-old Sam Grieve, who saw one of our adverts on television and not only saved his coins to raise money for us, but got all his friends to as well. They raised £30 together. Sam's the one right in the middle!

Jennifer Fash, community events officer

The Making a Difference motivational youth conference will be passing over some of their ticket money to Actionaid projects this year. The conference is aimed at helping young people to 'be what they want to be', whether that  means starting a business, raising money for charity, or just making a positive impact on the world at large.

It features musicians, comedians, motivational speakers, and the chance to network with like-minded young people. There will also be a chance to see me giving a presentation!

It's on 31st of July at 3 Herringham Road, Thames Wharf Barrier, London. SE7 8NJ - you can get the full details on their website.