Donations to the Guardian and Observer charity appeal in aid of refugee children have passed the £1m mark, less than two weeks after launch.

The money will support three charities working with young refugees and migrants based in Europe and the UK, Syria and Lebanon: Help Refugees, Safe Passage and the Children’s Society.

More than 10,000 readers have so far donated to the 2016 appeal, including hundreds who pledged nearly £50,000 over the phone to Guardian and Observer journalists at the annual charity telethon on Saturday.

Josie Naughton, a co-founder of Help Refugees, said: “We would like to thank Guardian and Observer readers for their unwavering commitment to helping child refugees. The overwhelming generosity of the public reflects the compassion and empathy that is at the heart of British society.”



Matthew Reed, the chief executive of the Children’s Society, said: “We’re thrilled that the Guardian and Observer appeal has hit the £1m mark. It was a real privilege to have the chance to take calls from readers during Saturday’s telethon, and I was struck by their incredible determination to help young refugees and to give whatever they could to support the appeal.

“Thank you to everyone who has generously donated so far – your support is vital to help us give children and young people fleeing war, persecution and violence a brighter future in the UK.”

Neil Jameson, the executive director of Citizens UK, the parent charity of Safe Passage, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the Guardian and Observer readers, and moved by the messages of support we are receiving.

“The donations we receive will help us continue to reach unaccompanied children in Europe, providing safe routes to sanctuary to those who are most vulnerable and at risk. They will also ensure that our Refugees Welcome groups are able to provide a supportive community for new arrivals.”

Last year’s appeal, in support of six refugee charities, raised more than £2.6m.

The 2016 appeal will run until 9 January.