Rotherham Lions in flood victims appeal

AN APPEAL for funds for flood victims in Cumbria has been set up in Rotherham.

Borough Cabinet Member for Housing and Neighbourhoods, Cllr Jahanger Akhtar, has joined forces with the Rotherham Lions Club to raise money.

Rotherham Lions Club opened the appeal with £500 and hopes to raise many more thousands over the next six to eight weeks.

Club president Clive Jones said: "Residents and businesses in our area know better than anyone how much devastation the floods can cause.

"Money raised will allow people to meet pressing needs in our community including the provision of toileteries, nightwear and other clothing."

Cllr Akhtar said: "Watching the images on TV about the Cumbrian Floods reminded me of the devastation that our community shared in 2007.

"I am proud to work with the Lions on this worthwhile project and am in the process of organising a charity dinner among other things.

"I am hoping the people of Rotherham will get behind this appeal."

The relief activities by the various Lions Club in the Cumbria area are part of a large-scale relief effort launched by Lions Clubs and the Lions Clubs International Foundation.

So far 15,000 dollars has been dispatched from the Lions Club International Foundation in America to support emergency humanitarian relief.

Local Lions Clubs and their members are providing affected persons with the support they need to resume normal lives through relief projects that focus on supporting victims, healthcare and the reconstruction of vital community facilities.

Anyone wishing to donate may do so by contacting the Rotherham Lions Club on 07957 209390 or can leave cash or cheques at the Rotherham Town Hall. Cheques should be made payable to the Rotherham Lions Club with Cumbria Flood Appeal written on the reverse.