26/11/2009 - Flood recovery donations hit half a million : Cumbria County Council

A charity fund to help families and community organisations in the aftermath of last week's floods has reached its initial target of £500,000 worth of donations.

The Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund reached the milestone this morning and is now hoping to push on to reach £1m. Bucket collections are up and running in local supermarkets and a number of sporting events being held around the North West this weekend have arranged collections for the flood recovery fund.

Payments have already been made to individuals and families affected by the floods. One man in Cockermouth had lost all his possessions other than the clothes he was wearing and was given the first grant from the fund on Tuesday.

Individuals and families can apply for up to £500 or £1,000 in exceptional circumstances for a range of things including emergency repairs, food and drink, clothing and cleaning up. Priority is being given to families on low incomes, people with disabilities, over 70s and under 5s. The fund is designed to help those people not covered by their own insurance. Voluntary and community organisations that have incurred costs by helping out on the recovery effort can also apply for up to £5,000 or £10,000 in exceptional circumstances.

Bob Mather, Chairman of Cumbria Community Foundation, said:

"It's fantastic news that we've reached this initial milestone so quickly. People are digging deep and helping those in the greatest need. The problems that people are facing are long-term ones though, so it's important that even though the national media focus is shifting elsewhere, people don't forget about the need of communities here in Cumbria."

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund can visit the Cumbria County Council website homepage www.cumbriacc.gov.uk, phone 01900 820 828, or email david@cumbriafoundation.org

The recovery team has received numerous offers of practical help, volunteers and equipment. The main need now is for financial help through the Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund but any further offers of practical help can be made to the recovery team via email on flood.volunteers@cumbriacc.gov.uk or telephone 01228 606060.

CFM Radio have organised a helpline on 07907 060412 and are working with Impact Housing in association with the Rotary Clubs in Workington and Cockermouth to organise collections of clothing, bedding, electrical goods and furniture to help families affected by the floods.

Items can be dropped off at one of the following places:
Workington
Impact Furniture Services
Unit 6 and 7 Enterprise Court
Lakes Road
Derwent Howe Industrial Estate
Workington
CA14 3YP

Carlisle
Impact Housing, Centre 47
47 Nelson Street, Carlisle

Penrith
IFS Eden, Unit 1Swainsons Yard
Myers Lane, Penrith, CA11 9DP