The Community Foundation announced today that the Lancashire Flood Appeal has hit £1 million in funds raised. The Community Foundation launched the Flood Appeal on 8th December with £5,000 to support communities affected by the flooding throughout December, and on the Appeal’s four-month anniversary Government match funding has taken funds raised to over the million-pound mark.
To date £490,000 of Flood Appeal charitable grants have been distributed by the Community Foundation to over 220 households in the greatest need that have been affected by the flooding, benefiting thousands of local people across the county. Grants have supported local people to rebuild their lives, including immediate clean-up work as well as replacing household items, such as fridges and clothing, and vital repairs to vulnerable people’s homes. Charitable grants have also supported local groups and charities to enable communities to recover from the affects of flooding.
An event at Whalley Village Hall will take place today on the Flood Appeal’s four-month anniversary to thank residents and donors alike for their support in the area where the Flood Appeal has distributed the most grants to date. The event will be attended by the Community Foundation’s President, Lord Shuttleworth, Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire.
Flood Appeal donations have been received from within Lancashire and across the UK, in many cases to support fellow Lancastrians. Supporters have included a national newspaper appeal, online donations, local fundraising, especially by Rotary and Lions Clubs, Flood Appeal events and major donations from charitable trusts and companies, such as Comic Relief, Rank Foundation and United Utilities. The most online donations were received on Boxing Day when Storm Eva hit the county. The majority of funds donated have then been matched by Government which has enabled the Appeal to reach £1 million today.
Cathy Elliott, Chief Executive for the Community Foundation for Lancashire, said: “The Community Foundation’s experience in leading the Flood Appeal for Lancashire has been challenging and rewarding. The Flood Appeal has been a huge part of our recent work to grow stronger communities together in the county. The response from those who have donated and supported those affected in communities has been phenomenal, and I would like to say a BIG thank you to everyone who has been involved.”
“We are really pleased to announce hitting the £1 million mark on the Flood Appeal’s four-month anniversary. Additionally, Government has announced that it will match the money we have raised for the Flood Appeal thereby extending its recognition of the importance of flood response work by local charities. We know that Lancashire residents affected by the floods are already appreciative of the Government funding announced for flood defences, trading disruption to businesses, resident temporary accommodation and protection against future flooding. However, these additional funds are significant for our charitable work to continue to support those in greatest need and vulnerable people affected by flooding as well as new community-led work from next month.”
The general public and companies can donate online via the Appeal’s website at www.lancsfloodappeal.org.uk to support the Flood Appeal’s further work for Lancashire. You can donate immediately to the Lancashire Flood Appeal by texting LFLD15 and your donation amount (e.g. £10) to 70070. Alternatively, you can donate directly online by visiting our dedicated webpage https://mydonate.bt.com/events/lancsfloodappeal
Further details on the availability of community group grants from the Flood Appeal will be announced by the Community Foundation by early May.
