Head of Climate Change at WWF-UK, Keith Allott, said -

Stories currently being talked up in the media and diplomatic manoeuvres behind the scenes reflect attempts by industrialized countries to lower expectations for Copenhagen. They are currently dodging hard decisions on slashing their emissions and providing funding for the transition to a low carbon economy.

The world is looking for leadership, but instead the leaders are starting to hand out their excuses in advance. This is especially worrying , because next week, the EU must agree its position on reduction targets and financial support, which will carry through to Copenhagen. Yesterday’s Environment Council meeting took some steps forward, but on Tuesday Finance Leaders failed to agree any funding for developing countries. That means Heads of State must make a firm financial commitment next week, or the EU will come to Copenhagen empty-handed.

With the final meeting before Copenhagen taking place next week in Barcalona, WWF is concerned that diplomatic rumours are abound that a binding legal agreement will not be signed in Copenhagen. This is particularly worrying as unless a legitimate contract is entered, the chances of a climate catastrophe will increase dramatically. The contract should feature major emission reduction targets for all countries across the globe alongside major support for all developing countries. Only through this course of action can the climate change issue realistically be tackled.

Help WWF UK with a Charity Gift

The WWF is a non profit organisation who can only sustain their tireless work in saving the planet and its inhabitants through donations. You can help raise funds through the WWF Adopt an Animal scheme.

From as little as £3 a month you receive a certificate, a print of your animal, a greetings card, and a soft toy that would make a fantastic charity gift for a loved one.

> > Click here to Adopt an Animal with WWF UK

View other top charity gifts

A category 4 can create winds of up to 120mph, and in preparation the Filipino government is evacuating people in the northern areas which are prone to floods and landslides. UNICEF are now preparing water and sanitation supplies to assist the 8,000 families who could be affected in the aftermath.

The Philippines has now had 5 severe weather related disasters across the country since September, with many people killed, injured and over 80,000 still in evacuation centres.

UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, Fiona Hesselden, said -

This region is still suffering from the two previous typhoons and UNICEF remains very concerned about sanitation, hygiene and access to clean and safe water both inside and outside of evacuation centres. There are cases of acute watery diarrhoea and confirmed cases of cholera. So far the Department of Health reports they are under control and UNICEF is ensuring that the necessary preventative measures are in place.

UNICEF has appealed for £7.5 million pounds to support their tireless work to help the thousands of people left homeless in the Philippines but that amount is expected to rise to about £10 million. Thanks to the public’s generous donations, UNICEF will be on hand to help the Filipino people during their hour of need.

Help Support UNICEF UK with a Charity Gift

You can help raise funds with UNICEF Inspired Gifts. Presents start at just £8, and for a little as £16 you could buy a virtual charity gift like five footballs for children in refugee camps. There are so many to choose from, and these thoughtful gifts would make an ideal present for a loved one…

it’s the present that keeps on giving.

> > click here to purchase a UNICEF UK Inspired Gift

View other top charity gifts

There’s a great selection of wonderful designs, including -

• Majestic 3 Kings
• Picasso Dove
• Kings of the Orient
• Tree of Lights
• Star of Wonder
• Resting Robin (pictured)

These great cards are not only a fantastic charity gift to send festive salutations this Christmas, but also a great way to help raise funds for Shelter UK. Their tireless work to help the homeless and people with housing difficulties can only continue thanks to the generous support of the genral public and their kind donations.

Help Shelter UK This Christmas

There is a number of ways to help support Shelter this festive season. Carol singing, making a donation or sending Shelter Christmas cards. By supporting Shelter, you will be making a difference to the lives of the homeless and people with housing difficulties in the UK.

> > click here to make a donation to Shelter UK

Other top charity gifts

There are over 70 virtual charity gift ideas that would make great christmas presents, plus loads of festive cards, books, clothing and accessories available from the Oxfam Ethical Collection. Postage savings range from £1.50-3.50, though if you want to you can cover the cost of your delivery, which in turn will ensure more funds to aid Oxfam’s tireless work around the globe.

An ethical gift from Oxfam Unwrapped is a great way to show someone you care this Christmas…

it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

> > Click here to order online with Oxfam Unwrapped

Other great charity gifts

Supported by the childrens charity BeatBullying, and fully tested at Cambridge University, ImSafer will help give parents the piece of mind they require when their child is using the internet. With so much prominence these days for young people to interact on social networking sites, this has also become an increasing easy way to bully other children. ImSafer will not interfere with a child’s internet activities, but will offer parents the reassurance that their children are safe from online harm at the hands of bullies or pedophiles.

Intricate testing has shown that results can be over 98% accurate to genuine dangers. If cyberbullying is detected, the family can then speak to the UK charity BeatBullying, who will assist parents in dealing with any threat presented. Thanks to ImSafer’s immediate trigger alerts, parents can stay one step ahead of inappropriate behaviour or bullying.

A year’s subscription to ImSafer is just £29.99, which is a small price to pay for a child’s online security. It’s easy to download and short of sitting by your child while they surf the web, it’s the easiest way for parents to keep an eye on internet interaction without being intrusive.

> > Click here to order ImSafer today

The event was seen as a great success by all concerned, and there is now even talk of this becoming an annual affair. This type of unique fundraiser is a not only a fantastic way to help raise much needed funds for a really worthwhile childrens charity, but also a great way for artists to donate their time and hardwork for a worthy cause. We at Donation4Charity look forward to seeing next year’s selection of wonderful paintings.

> > Click here to find out more about the work of G.O.S.H

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when ordering online at the Cancer Research Gift Shop to receive the postage on your Christmas cards, calendars and gifts, absolutely free! With a wide selection of thought provoking presents available, a gift from Cancer Research will not only brighten up someone’s day, but also provide much needed funds to help beat cancer.

100% of all the profits made on each gift go directly to Cancer Research to help their tireless campaign to stop cancer and provide relief from those already suffering. Gift prices start at just 99p, and is a great way to surprise someone this Christmas, plus with free postage, now is a great time to show someone you care.

> > Click here to order online with Cancer Research UK

Free Delivery Voucher terms & conditions

a) Each voucher entitles the holder to the free delivery of one order (of any value) placed on our website www.shoptobeatcancer.org.uk.
b) Vouchers may be redeemed online only and may not be redeemed on phone or mail orders.
c) Vouchers apply to free delivery of UK orders only
d) Vouchers are redeemable against this free delivery promotion only and may not be redeemed against any other promotion Cancer Research UK may run from time to time.
e) Vouchers may not be used to purchase Shop to beat cancer gift vouchers.
f) Vouchers must be redeemed at the time of placing an order and may not be redeemed retrospectively i.e. against orders already placed.
g) Vouchers must be redeemed no later than 21 December 2009.
h) Cancer Research UK reserves the right, in the case of force majeure or circumstances beyond its control (in particular technical problems with the Shop to beatcancer website) to modify, suspend or cancel the use of vouchers.
i) Vouchers are not transferable or assignable.
i) All purchases made on the Shop to beat cancer website are subject to the Shop to beat cancer terms and conditions.
k) These voucher terms and conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
l) This voucher promotion is run by Cancer Research UK

• Stephen Merchant
• Stewart Francis
• Adam Hills
• Lucy Porter

Tickets cost just £18 and following on from past events we hope to have a sell out show. Proceeds from ticket sales will go towards helping Alert’s peacebuilding work in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We support and work with communities that are threatened or affected by violent conflict to improve their prospects for a peaceful future. We also work with governments, the EU and UN to shape peacebuilding work.

Have a giggle and at the same time raise funds to help people directly affected by violent conflict.

> > click here to buy your ticket for ‘Are You Taking The Peace?’

Help International Alert today

Over 7 million people have lost their lives as a result of violent conflict since 1990. The majority have been civilians and women and children are often the hardest hit. It’s thought that children fight in almost 75% of today’s armed conflicts while sexual abuse has become an established weapon; in Sierra Leone, more than half of the women have experienced some type of sexual violence.

By donating to International Alert you will be helping us to stop these atrocities happening.

Peace is not just the absence of war; it is when societies manage their differences without resorting to violence, while making progress in which everyone can share. That’s why here at Alert we target the root cause of conflicts and issues that are most likely to make people pick up their guns again. Your donation will help us to continue with this valuable work. You’ll be helping us to build peace, reaching those most affected by violent conflict and influencing those who are best placed to maintain peace. Your support will help to change and improve lives, for better, for good.

> > Click here for more information on International Alert

Around 6 million farm animals in Europe alone are transported huge distances for slaughter, with some journeys taking up to 70 hours. The animals are jammed tight into hot, overcrowded trucks with no water or food, and many die during the journey. These poor animals deserve better treatment, and hopefully will, thanks to Compassion in World farmings tireless campaigning to reveal and document those who inflict this mindless suffering.

Compassion in World Farming has been working to end cruelty to farm animals for over 30 years, and has managed to make a significant reduction in the number of long distance journeys farm animals have to suffer. By exposing those who breach the law by using video footage to make formal complaints to the European Commission, Compassion in World Farming will continue to fight for the rights of farm animals across the globe.

> > Click here to make a donation to Compassion in World Farming

The film then goes on to reveal the torturers losing control of their hands, as imaginary Amnesty International supporters appear from behind them to stop any more pain being inflicted.

Some viewers may find this film disturbing.

> > Click here to watch ‘Defy ‘Them’ short film

Amnesty International UK Campaigns Director, Tim Hancock, said -

Torture is never justified. No cause ever ‘justifies’ torture. Torture inflicts pain and suffering on its victims, degrades any society that allows it to happen and actually often yields nothing of value to the torturers anyway. We want people to watch this brilliant new film and go away with the feeling that torture is unquestionably wrong, and they can do something to stamp it out. We can all do something to help stop torture, whether it’s signing a petition, sending a letter to our MP or by joining Amnesty International.

The ‘Defy Them’ film was created by Australian advertising agency WCRS, one of several recently produced short films released by Amnesty International to highlight the reality of torture around the world.

> > Click here to sign up to Amnesty International