Here is a letter from 38degrees for those that want to donate this might be one way to ensure urgent help gets to those who need it
A lot of the UK is underwater right now. And more rain is forecast. Homes and farms are ruined, and thousands of people are having a really tough time. [1]
On the ground, local charities are springing into action. They are pulling together emergency accommodation, pumping equipment, blankets and food. They are providing comfort and hope in the crisis.
The 38 Degrees office team have been in touch with local charities from areas hit by floods - charities like the Somerset Community Foundation, who are supporting communities under water on the Somerset Levels. [2]
They've explained that 38 Degrees members could help with relief efforts across the UK by raising money quickly for the charities who need it on the ground. A big pot of cash would mean the local charities could focus on giving help to victims and provide a boost to flooded communities.
Could you help by chipping in to a flood relief fund? The sooner we can raise money, the sooner it can start helping families and communities hit by the floods.
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/UK-flood-relief-donate38 Degrees staff will work with local charities around the UK to make sure your donation goes straight to those facing immediate hardship. Money will really help families and communities get back on their feet as soon as possible.
Here’s what Mary Hancock, deputy chief executive of the Somerset Community Foundation, said:
“As a community foundation our role is to work with grassroots groups to make sure the relief money is going where it is so desperately needed. Donations from 38 Degrees members would be so valuable right now. We will work alongside 38 Degrees staff and our network of community foundations to rebuild flood affected communities.”
Here are some of the things that money from 38 Degrees members could do:
- Provide emergency relief grants to people whose homes have been flooded to meet the immediate financial burdens of moving out, pumping and drying, and emergency repairs.
- Help those who face additional financial burdens as a result of the flooding, for example through loss of earnings.
- Support local small businesses, charities and community organisations to ensure their survival and swift recovery.
- Support counselling and community services to help people cope with the emotional stress caused by the flooding in the short and medium term.
Can you chip in right now? Make a secure donation by clicking this link:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/UK-flood-relief-donateThere are lots of big questions to be answered about how we can prevent flooding in the future. How can we do more to tackle climate change? [3] How can we improve flood defences? And whose responsibility is it to make sure this doesn’t happen again? But right now homes are underwater and families need our help.
Lots of 38 Degrees members have contacted the office over the last few days to say they want to do something to help flood victims. Sometimes helping means pressure on politicians to do the right thing. Sometimes, it means offering direct help. In this case, it probably means both - but let's get started by getting cash where it's needed this week.
Make a secure donation here:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/UK-flood-relief-donateThanks for getting involved,