The RNLI has launched a major email campaign to supporters and volunteers following a spate of attacks from right-wing, anti-migration protests, as the charity reports a “significant” boost in donations since agitators slammed its stance over small boat crossings.
RNLI bosses said workers had been subjected to online and physical abuse and there had been “baseless” rumours circulating that the charity had housed asylum seekers or moved them to secret locations after helping them to shore.
Chief executive Peter Sparkes has sent direct messages and emails to volunteers and staff, condemning the “wholly unacceptable” online and physical abuse they faced – including “doxxing” and being branded as “traitors” – after a migrant rescue near Portsmouth
The charity emphasised that responding to small boats was only a tiny percentage of its work and updated its webpage explaining its work in the Channel, which includes powerful testimonies from volunteers involved in the operations.
Protest leaders handed out rape alarms to women, claiming they were at risk from men brought into the UK by the RNLI, and called for people to stop donating to the charity.
AIn a statement released over the weekend, the RNLI said: “We’ve seen a significant increase in the number of donations we have received this week and we’ve welcomed a number of new supporters to our charity. Everyone at the RNLI remains focused on our core purpose of saving lives at sea.”
On LinkedIn, former joint managing director of The Good Agency, Matthew Sherrington, who has more than 35 years of charity sector experience, wrote: “This morning I got a supporter email from RNLI’s CEO, feeling the need to justify their purpose of saving lives at sea. It made me livid.
“Imagine their volunteers being intimidated and threatened by these balaclava’d thugs, sharing their personal details online. Imagine having to advise volunteers not to wear RNLI-branded clothing to feel safe. Donation made, RNLI cap bought.”
Related stories
ICO finally publishes ‘soft opt-in’ guidance for charities
Charities urged to create seamless digital experiences
Take up of digital wallets rises as charity donors return
goDonate secures deal to help charities accept crypto
Next-gen tools that even you technophobes can build
Charities embrace tech to combat cost of living crisis
Be the first to comment on "RNLI launches email push in wake of right-wing attacks"