In response to the latest news revealing the scale of disaster in Haiti, Barclays has increased its donation to a total of £500,000 to support relief efforts in the country. In addition, Barclays will be matching employees' fundraising efforts.

As part of the donation, the Red Cross will receive a total £250,000 to help the organisation to undertake continued logistical support and humanitarian relief in the disaster zone.

To date, more than 500 tonnes of aid has been mobilised by the Red Cross and 220,000 litres of water has been distributed to approximately 24,000 people.

The donation will also see UNICEF receive £250,000 under the existing ‘Building Young Futures’ partnership with Barclays to support Haiti’s orphans.

The money will go towards a project aimed at re-establishing the provision of education across the country.

Rachael Barber, Director, Global Community Investment, said: “Following the earthquake in Haiti, it is vital that funding is made available for emergency relief, and we know that Barclays donation to the Red Cross will make a big difference.

“But extensive funding will also be needed to rebuild the country.

"That's why we are working closely with UNICEF to support their work that will help children affected by the disaster in the medium and longer term, many of whom have lost their entire families.

 “Our aim is to use the expertise we have built up through the ‘Building Young Futures’ programme to help these children and ultimately, aid the long-term recovery of the country.”

According to the latest media reports, the earthquake, which struck close to the capital Port-au-Prince last Tuesday, is feared to have left 200,000 people dead and 1.5 million homeless.

More information on the 'Building Young Futures' programme