Imagine this is your house:
Via Irish Independent
Or this was the view from your front hallway:
Photo by @Mediaflash
I’ve been listening to the radio on and off all week hearing reports of continued bad weather, the entire Shannon being in a state of flood, bridges and roads being closed, towns, villages and cities all but shutting down completely. I’ve had more calls from my dad in Clare this week than I’ve had all month he’s so shocked at the state of things around him in the west.
It’s almost impossible to get your head around the damage that’s been done since this time last week. Listening to victims during the week talk about how they have had to split their families up and divide children between relations, to others talk about the stench of waste, rotting food and sewage in homes and streets, to people searching somewhere to rent to simply have a roof over their heads was really shocking.
What shocks me further is the apparent lack of support for these hundreds of people. The government have pledged an initial €10m fund (subject to means testing). Some say it’s not nearly enough, some say they can’t wait for means testing.
I remember the fantastic fund-raising that was done all around the country in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina a few years ago. Why hasn’t there been the same response to our own neighbours? Is it the recession? Is it a case of ‘out of sight out of mind’? Or do people just not realise how bad it is in areas like Ballinasloe, Claregalway and towns along the Shannon?
Let’s help them out!
Newstalk have set up a flood victims fund account with AIB. If you go into any AIB branch you should be able to make a donation to the account which has the sort code 93.10.12.
Saint Vincent de Paul and the Irish Red Cross are also accepting donations, be they financial or materials like clothes, bed linen etc.
If anyone else knows of ways we can support those affected, leave a comment or drop me an email and I’ll list it on a new page.
There’s only 4 weeks until Xmas eve – at the very least, let’s try and give the families some comfort for the holidays or some hope for the time ahead – things are in a dark enough state as it is.
Caherlea, Co.Galway via Irish Independent
Parteen Weir, Co.Clare via Limerick News Wire
5 Comments
4 weeks to Christmas, I’d suggest buying one extra present and foodstuff item, and sending onto SVP to distribute to families who may not have the opportunity, money, or wherewithal to shop in those four weeks.
Steph
I am mailing you from a charity called The Community Foundation for Ireland. We have just launched a ‘Flood Recovery Fund’ to get grants out to frontline voluntary and community groups in the affected areas. We have put 50,000 euros into it and encouraging the public and businesses to get involved now. People can donate in 3 easy ways:
1: Online, go to http://www.mycharity.ie/charity/cfi
2: Any EBS, BOI or AIB branch-the Flood Recovery Fund
3: By cheque
Visit http://www.foundation.ie or call 01 874 7354.
We know all the groups down there so will be able to get funds to them immediately so they can start helping asap
Hi Steph
I don’t have any great brian waves as how to help out all I can do is offer my assistance to anyone who require’s it in any of the affected area’s this weekend.If this any help please contact me at the above e-mail.
Thanks.
i have clothes and shoes in as new too small for me and gents clothes and shoes also new house hold stuff picture frames ornaments ect and some second hand furniture kitchen table computor desk a bed setee chester drawers and a locker needs to be picked up as i am in unable to deliver mullingar area
I have decided not to send cards this year and to donate the money saved to the flood victims. What is the most effective way to do this?
maura