“Recovery Appeal Launched for Kirkby Lonsdale Fire Disaster”

Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria – On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in response to the devastating fire that destroyed several buildings, the Kirkby Lonsdale Community Recovery Partnership has requested the launch of the Kirkby Lonsdale Fire Disaster Recovery Appeal. The Cumbria Community Foundation has answered this call by launching an appeal to provide support for those affected by the fire.

The appeal has received an initial donation of £50,000 from the Westmorland and Furness Council, allowing for immediate relief to be provided before Christmas.

The fire, which occurred on December 8, 2024, resulted in the tragic loss of one life and forced 20 individuals to seek emergency and temporary housing. Additionally, six businesses were destroyed, with a further 78 businesses affected. The fire caused extensive damage to both the interior and exterior of buildings, resulting in the closure of Market Street to vehicles and pedestrians. Demolition work is currently underway on structurally unsafe buildings.

The focus of the appeal is to provide support for individuals facing hardship as a result of the fire, as well as to assist with the recovery of the community as a whole. This includes individuals who have lost their homes and belongings, as well as those experiencing financial hardship due to the closure of businesses and loss of income.

Through the distribution of grant awards, the Cumbria Community Foundation, in partnership with the Westmorland and Furness Council and the Kirkby Lonsdale Community Cupboard, is working to meet the immediate needs of those affected. A committee consisting of representatives from the Community Foundation and the Kirkby Lonsdale Community Recovery Partnership will oversee the distribution of these funds.

Angela Jones, Chair of the Kirkby Lonsdale Community Recovery Partnership and representative from the Westmorland and Furness Council, expressed, “This fire has caused significant financial hardship and emotional distress to those directly affected and also to the whole community. The full impact of the fire is still emerging, but recovery is likely to take many months, if not years.” Jones also mentioned efforts to secure match funding from the government, stating that “for every pound donated, the government would match the same amount.”

Councillor Paul Cassell, Chair of Kirkby Lonsdale Town Council and member of the Kirkby Lonsdale Community Recovery Partnership, added, “The primary aim of the fundraising is to support all families and individuals affected by the tragic fire that has devastated our beloved town. We have witnessed so many unseen acts of support and help and give our sincere and heartfelt thanks to all those who have been kind enough to donate.”

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive at Cumbria Community Foundation, expressed his sympathy for the town and its residents, stating, “It is tragic to see such devastation and loss of life in this beautiful market town.” He also emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to assisting with the recovery efforts, aiming to raise £100,000.

The Kirkby Lonsdale Community Recovery Partnership is working closely with the Cumbria Community Foundation to coordinate efforts. The Appeal is being promoted and supported by various local organizations and media outlets.

Donations are being sought from individuals, businesses, grant-making trusts, charities, and through community fundraising events. The Westmorland and Furness Council is also working to support local businesses, including seeking government assistance for grant aid and suspension of business rates.

Those wishing to donate to the Kirkby Lonsdale Fire Disaster Recovery Appeal can visit https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/kirkby-lonsdale-fire-disaster-recovery-appeal. To learn more about the fund, please visit https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/kirkby-lonsdale-fire-disaster-recovery-fund/.

Phase one of the fund aims to provide immediate short-term relief of hardship, with plans for further grant awards in early 2025. Those seeking support can contact the Community Hub at 015242 36404.

The Kirkby Lonsdale Community Recovery Partnership has been formed to coordinate efforts in support of the recovery. The partnership includes representatives from various local organizations and voluntary groups.

Cumbria Community Foundation, a grant-making charity established in 1999, has distributed £6.8 million to projects and individuals throughout Cumbria in 2023/24. The Foundation has previously run disaster appeals in 2001 (FMD Recovery Fund) and 2005, 2009, and 2015 (Flood Recovery Funds), as well as in 2020 (Cumbria Coronavirus Recovery Fund). The Foundation is registered with the Fundraising Regulator.

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