The UK Community Foundations today announced that the Winter Flood Recovery Appeals have raised over £14.6 million pounds following the Government’s confirmation of pound for pound match funding.
The UK Community Foundations launched their campaigns immediately after the unprecedented floods caused widespread damage destroying homes and businesses. Flood campaigns were instigated in Cumbria, Calderdale, Leeds, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, York and North Yorkshire, Scotland and Wales.
UK Community Foundations (UKCF) an umbrella organisation representing 48 UK Community Foundations launched its own Winter Flood Recovery Appeal on 30 December and has distributed contributions to the areas affected.
Fabian French, Chief Executive of UKCF said: “It is remarkable how much money has been raised in a short period of time to help people in very real need. The Winter Flood Recovery Campaign shows how strongly individuals and businesses feel about supporting their own communities. In addition, UKCF has been given large donations by Comic Relief, Walmart and Howdens. This generosity has enabled the community foundation network to make grants to thousands of people throughout the UK.
“The match-funding announced by the Government is much appreciated. It allows us to continue our work in supporting individuals in need and to fund long-term community rebuilding and resilience projects. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the Winter Flood Recovery Appeals.”
The generous donations made by business, charities and the public to the Winter Flood Recovery Appeals has been used to help people across the UK, especially those on low incomes with few resources, to recover from the floods. Immediate relief grants funded emergency costs for shelter, food and clothing and the community foundations are now focussing on supporting people returning to their own homes and assisting in repairing local businesses.
