The DEC warns that 95% of people in Afghanistan do not have enough to eat and over 3m children under five are expected to suffer malnutrition by March, with many at risk of dying. 

The appeal also aims to help the 8m people in Afghanistan at risk of famine this winter. 

The DEC is a charity comprising 15 UK aid charities specialising in humanitarian aid and disaster response. 

The donation will help people living in Afghanistan and experiencing freezing temperatures this winter with equipment and shelter. 

In addition, as part of its Christmas appeal, Quilter has also raised £10,000 for causes that support young people local to its office locations. 

The charities nominated by Quilter employees include UK children’s charity, Honeypot; the social mobility charity, upReach and the Scottish children’s charity, Children 1st, among others. 

Paul Feeney, CEO of Quilter and chair of the Quilter Foundation, said: “The situation in Afghanistan is truly devastating. As is so often the case it is children and young people who are impacted the most and they are ones who have the least understanding of what is happening. A million children under five years old are at risk of dying in the next three months as Afghanistan heads for a catastrophic winter. Our donation could provide emergency food for 500 families who have lost their homes for three months.

“This is the worst humanitarian crisis on Earth, and I’m pleased that the Quilter Foundation is able to support this appeal from the Disasters Emergency Committee and assist those who need it most.

“I’m also proud of our employees for raising vital funds for the Quilter Foundation this Christmas to support a number of excellent local charities that will help put food on the table, support future prospects and provide respite to families and children dealing with terminal illness.”