Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Hundreds respond to victims’ plight with donations
A huge relief effort swung into action following the Tannery fire which prompted a wave of sympathy and support for the victims from across the city.
As soon as word spread that many had been made homeless and lost all their possessions, donations of clothing and children’s toys started to pour in.
Initially, they came in at Age UK in Castle Street, which had opened its doors to provide refuge for the residents affected.
The items were then transferred to St Peter’s Methodist School, which is now using its hall as a collection and distribution centre.
Co-ordinator and parent at the school, Nicola Armario, said: “To see those people watching in tears as their homes and possessions went up in flames was heartbreaking.
“I asked the headteacher Rob Garratt if we could help as it involved some of our families and straight away he was right behind us.
“The response to their plight has been overwhelming. We have received around 150 bags of children’s clothes and toys as well as things like nappies.
“Canterbury Food Bank has also given us food parcels for the affected families.
“We have around 15 children from our school alone who have lost their possessions. We particularly need children’s underwear, which ideally needs to be new and hope that maybe one of the city’s discount clothing stores may be able to help. We also need older children’s and teenage clothing.
“But people have been extraordinarily generous. Just today, two ladies came with a couple of bags of new clothing and toiletries which they had bought in the city.”
The Red Cross, Salvation Army, city council response team and other agencies have also been involved in offering support. The Westgate Hall was provided as an emergency rest centre and McDonald’s delivered 50 meals and drinks to the scene for firefighters, police and the residents affected.
Christ Church University has also made student accommodation – now vacant following their departure for the summer holidays – temporarily available for those left homeless.