The Dispossessed: BT and George Orwell’s son back our campaign

BT today backs the Evening Standard's Dispossessed campaign with a major donation.

The fund, which on Friday hit the £1 million mark, is continuing to grow, with every donation being matched by the Government.

The additional money raised will be used to establish a permanent endowment fund for the capital.

BT today joins a long list of London's biggest firms and most famous individuals, including Sir Michael Caine, Sir Philip Green, Westfield and Barclays.

"BT has a long-standing commitment to supporting the most vulnerable and to doing our bit with regard to environmental concerns," said chief executive Ian Livingston.

The fund will help hundreds of charities across the capital make a lasting difference to the lives of the capital's dispossessed. Charities can bid for grants of between £500 and £5,000 through our website. The Community Foundation Network will work with a Standard advisory board to distribute cash.

The son of George Orwell, the writer who illuminated the plight of the poor in the Thirties, also gave his backing to the campaign today. Richard Blair said: "I am sure my father would have been wholly sympathetic with what you are doing and congratulate you on the great sum you have raised."