Strangers offer food and shelter as appeal is launched
THE community around Grenfell Tower sprang into action yesterday to help victims of the devastating fire.
Fundraising web pages collected donations of more than £550,000 in less than 12 hours, while residents took in the injured and delivered food and water to those affected.
Companies, charities and celebrities – including TV stars Jamie Oliver and Jeremy Clarkson – also got involved in the aid effort.
Celebrity chef Oliver offered those affected by the fire free food, drink and shelter at his nearby restaurant in the Westfield shopping centre.
Oliver wrote on Instagram: “To any of the families affected by this terrible fire, you are all welcome to come hang out in my restaurant and be fed and watered by my team.
“We are in the Westfield just around the corner. Food and drink free of charge so just go and speak to my manager Juan and we will sort you out and give you some love.”
Former Top Gear presenter Clarkson urged members of the public to donate clothes to residents of Grenfell Tower.
He posted on Facebook: “Everything that was clean in my wardrobe has been donated. Please try and do the same thing.” Residents and charities also sprang into action to offer more help.
Rest centres were set up nearby, with church volunteers collecting clothes, food and water for those affected – many of whom had been forced to escape the building in their night clothes.
Firms based at the nearby Notting Dale Village brought sandwiches and fruit to the area.
Residents also took to social media to offer up their homes to those affected.
One woman, named Giselle, tweeted: “Just called Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and left my details. They are looking for emergency housing. I have offered my place. Do the same if you can.”
One Instagram user said: “Any residents of Grenfell Tower or Lancaster West Estate who need a local place to stay direct message me.”
Local football clubs Queens Park Rangers and Fulham also offered to accommodate those left homeless by the blaze.
A JustGiving website appeal, which has raised thousands, was set up by an account in the name of Haley Yearwood, with the note: “It is a really closeknit community and the trauma will be felt for years to come. I’d like to help in any way possible.”