30th December 2015
Cumbria Community Foundation announced today that it has received a £50,000 donation for flood relief work in Cumbria from the Knarsdale Estate. Knarsdale is a sporting estate in West Northumberland.
Following the recent devastating events in the region, Cumbria Community Foundation launched the Cumbria Flood Recovery Appeal earlier this month to help local people and workers recover from the aftermath of Storm Desmond.
Due to the scale of the damage caused and the number of places affected, the initial appeal target of £1 million has been raised to £6 million. To date, the Foundation has raised £4.1 million, including a £1 million match from the government.
John Palmer, Head Gamekeeper on the Knarsdale Estate said “We’ve always worked closely with the local community and we are pleased to be able to make this donation so that the Foundation can continue to carry on this huge task. At Knarsdale we’ve seen the issues first hand and so it was important to us to get involved in the relief effort.”
Ian Brown, Chairman of the Foundation said “We are so thankful to the Knarsdale Estate for their generosity toward important recovery efforts following the devastating floods,” says Ian Brown, Chairman of the Foundation. “It’s very heart-warming and encouraging to see the overwhelming support of our local communities during this challenging time.”
The Flood Recovery Fund provides support for individuals and families suffering financial hardship as a result of the flooding. Priority will be given to households with low income, individuals over the age of 70, under the age of five, people with physical or learning difficulties or mental health needs.
Services provided include clean up, emergency repairs, clothing, food, water, heating equipment, child care equipment and basic furniture. Over 230 households have already received financial help in order to rebuild their homes and lives.
The Community Foundation will also provide grants for community relief and rebuilding projects. Larger, strategic grants will support long term rebuilding projects to be fulfilled in partnership with the Foundation.
Anyone wanting information about the appeal and who and what will be eligible for funding, should click here or speak to the grants team on 01900 825760.
About Knarsdale Estate
Knarsdale is a Grouse Shooting Estate situated in the Upper Tyne Valley. The Estate works closely with Natural England to produce some of the most favourable habitat in the North Pennines. In addition, it is a major employer in the locality and has invested considerable sums of money both in improving the natural environment, but also the working and living conditions for many people in this rural area.