Council launches appeal for Pakistan flood victims

BOROUGH council chiefs have launched a local appeal to help the catastrophic flood disaster in Pakistan.

Rotherham Borough Council will use its network of service centres and civic buildings to allow the public across the borough to make financial donations geared to supporting the emergency relief work for what is threatening to become one of the biggest disasters in the world.

It has been estimated that 20 million people have been left homeless and up to 3.5 million children are said to be at risk from waterborne-diseases, such as cholera and dysentery, in a flooded area the size of England.

The instigators of the Rotherham Appeal, the council leader of Cllr Roger Stone, and Cllr Jahangir Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Safe and Attractive Neighbourhoods, said it is hoped that the authority’s appeal would complement similar collections and events being held across the Borough.

Cllr Stone added: “I defy anyone not to be moved by the scenes being relayed out of Pakistan at the moment.

Rotherham family's mercy mission: Picture gallery.

“The scale of the problem is absolutely huge and I am sure that the people of Rotherham will want to help where they can.

“The council’s role is to try and make it easier for the public to do that by staging collection points at our various council offices.”

Cllr Stone, Cllr Akhtar and the council’s chief executive Martin Kimber have all pledged to make personal donations to start the appeal and Cllr Akhtar is also organising a fund-raising event in the town on October 3.

Cllr Akhtar said: “Because of the flooding problems faced by communities here in Rotherham over the last few years local people are fully aware of all the horrors and implications that flooding brings to an area. The situation in Pakistan is just a massive human tragedy that requires all the help and assistance we can offer.”

From Monday, August 23, all main council offices and the following service centres will be open and available to receive donations:

Ways to Donate:

By phone—to make credit/debit card donations, please call the automated telephone payment line on 01709 336810 and quote reference 999 on the “Pakistan Flood Disaster Appeal” option.
On the internet—payment can be made using a debit or credit card at https:/payments.rotherham.gov.uk//webpublic - please select the Fund option Pakistan Flood Disaster Appeal and quote Reference - 999
At council offices—donations in cash, by cheque or by credit/debit card can be made at the following council offices: Aston Customer Service Centre, Worksop Road, Swallownest, Sheffield S26 4WD
Customer Service Centre, Civic Building, Walker Place, Rotherham S65 1UF
Customer Service Centre, New Street, Dinnington, Sheffield S252EX
Greasbrough Neighbourhood Office, Munsbrough Rise, Greasbrough, Rotherham
Kimberworth Park Neighbourhood Office, St. John's Green, Kimberworth Park, Rotherham
Leisure & Service Centre, Braithwell Road, Maltby, Rotherham S66 8LE
Rawmarsh Neighbourhood Office, Rawmarsh Hill, Parkgate, Rotherham
Customer Service Centre, Station Street, Swinton, Mexborough S64 8PZWath Neighbourhood Office, Town Hall, Wath, Rotherham
By post—cheques (made payable to RMBC Pakistan Flood Disaster Appeal) can be sent to: RMBC Pakistan Flood Disaster Appeal at Council Offices (Income Dept.), Doncaster Gate, Doncaster Road, Rotherham S65 1DJ.