The emergency appeal launched by the Community Foundation in the aftermath of flooding in Derry has begun allocating grants to groups working with communities affected by the crisis.
Those in receipt of the urgent funding include; Eglinton Community Ltd, Plumbridge Parish Hall, Northern Irish Cancer Care, Institute FC, Club United, Jack and Jill Community Playgroup, Ardstraw FC, Derry & Raphoe Action, Tullyally Community Partnership, Another Chance Charity Shop, St Eugene’s GAA and Londonderry YMCA.
Also receiving an emergency grant is the Glenelly Development Trust which has been co-ordinating a flood relief effort in the Plumbridge and Cranagh areas. The Trust opened its premises to provide relief for local residents as well as accommodating staff from CAB, UFU and Rural Support.
The Glenelly Development Trust is based in one of the worst affected areas as Shauna Kelpie from the Acorn Fund explained: “The whole community has been affected - from individuals to the farming community.
“We heard of one farmer who lost his sheep due to a landslide in the Glenelly Valley, whilst the physical nature of the landscape is dramatically altered in some areas. A river which ran down the side of one family’s home is now running down the other side - it’s remarkable and catastrophic,” said Shauna.
Commenting on the appeal and the emergency funding, Andrew McCracken Chief Executive of the Community Foundation said: “In these types of crisis situations people need help immediately and we are delighted to be able to award these grants so quickly to groups working on the ground in the North West.
“Being able to help keep the groups up and running is crucial in terms of helping the wider community for whom these groups will often be the first port of call. We still have funding available for groups and we are hugely appreciative of the support we have received from individuals, businesses and other funders towards our appeal.” said Andrew.
Those donating to the Acorn Fund Flood Appeal include Seagate, Airporter, Give Inc, the Acorn Fund Giving Circle and The Honourable The Irish Society which donated £10,000.
Details of how to apply for the funding is available on the Community Foundation’s website, www.communityfoundationni.org
If you wish to donate to the Acorn Flood Fund, please visit www.localgiving.org/acornfloodfund
To find out more about the work of the Community Foundation go to: www.communityfoundationni.org Facebook: Community Foundation for Northern Ireland or Twitter: @CFNIreland
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