PM’s thanks for Mail readers as f loods appeal hits £1million
DAVID Cameron has thanked Mail readers for their generosity as the national fund to help flood victims hit £1million yesterday.
Money donated by our readers has given a huge boost to the Cumbrian Community Foundation (CCF), a charity helping those whose homes were devastated by Storm Desmond.
The Mail campaign has already raised £500,000 in just a week.
now the CCF fund – to which we have contributed – has hit £1million, which will be used to help the thousands of families hit in the run-up to Christmas.
Yesterday the Prime Minister delivered on his pledge to match every penny of the first £1million raised for the relief effort.
Mr Cameron said: ‘ Mail readers have put their hands in their pockets to help flooded families, so it’s only right that the Government does too.
‘I saw at first hand the bravery of families in the north West last week. and we all owe it to them to rebuild their communities as quickly as possible.
‘The Cumbrian Community Foundation is doing fantastic work to support families and businesses affected by Storm Desmond and I’m delighted we can help them in their work.’
Storm Desmond tore through the north West two weekends ago, causing havoc in Cumbria and lancashire as rivers burst their banks.
Up to 6,500 homes were flooded – with furniture, treasured possessions and Christmas presents destroyed. The CCF is highly experienced, having worked with communities to administer funds and services during previous floods in the county in 2009 and 2005.
The money raised will contribute to clean- up costs, emergency repairs, clothing, food and drink, heating equipment, childcare items and basic furniture.
Ministers last week also promised a £ 50million recovery fund for councils in the affected areas, to give immediate relief to those liv- ing in temporary accommodation. The ferocity of the storm meant that many families – who believed new flood defences would protect their homes – were unable to salvage any of their belongings.
Communities Secretary Greg Clark confirmed yesterday that the first tranche of funding to councils in Cumbria, lancashire and northumberland had already been delivered, following criticism that the money pledged by the Government during last year’s floods in Somerset and Surrey was slow to arrive.
Mr Clark said: ‘I saw for myself the damage and destruction in appleby and Carlisle, and the way in which people are rallying around to help each other through this difficult time.
‘We’re determined to do all we can to support them, which is why just days after the launch of the Community Recovery Fund, we’ve got the first payments to councils in the area to ensure they can get the funding to those who need it quickly.’
Mail readers have responded with incredible generosity to the plight of those caught up in the floods, with pensioners raiding their savings to send £10, £20 or even £1,000.
The Community Foundation for lancashire is also benefiting from our fundraising.
To send a message of support to those affected by the floods, email floodappeal@dailymail.co.uk.