People wanting to help communities affected by devastating wildfires across the West Midlands are being urged to donate through an official emergency appeal to ensure their money reaches those who need it.
Heart of England Community Foundation has launched the appeal in partnership with online fundraising platform GoFundMe following a series of major fires across the region since Thursday 13 August, the hottest day of the year so far.
The Foundation has been recognised as an official fundraiser by GoFundMe and the National Emergencies Trust, giving members of the public an official route to donate to those affected. It is a registered charity and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, providing trusted accountability for donations.
More than £50,000 has already been donated to support families affected by the fires, with people and businesses being encouraged to continue backing the fundraising effort.
The appeal comes after major fires were reported in areas including Stourbridge, Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent and Salford Priors in Warwickshire during the region’s hottest and driest spell of the year.
And Heart of England Community Foundation will ensure 100 per cent of donations to the appeal will go directly to people affected by the fires.
Funds could cover emergency living expenses, essential household items and clothing, the replacement of belongings lost in the fires, and practical assistance for families rebuilding their lives. Grants will support both immediate needs and longer-term recovery.
Tina Costello OBE, Chief Executive of Heart of England Community Foundation, said: “The response we have already seen from communities across the West Midlands has been incredibly moving. When something as devastating as this happens, people want to do whatever they can to help.
“Sadly, major incidents can also create opportunities for people to take advantage of that generosity. Donors should not have to worry about whether their money will reach the people they want to help.
“Working with GoFundMe means people have an official way to contribute to the appeal. Every donation made to the appeal will go directly towards supporting those affected, both now and as they recover from the fires.
“These fires have had a devastating impact on communities across our region. We want people who have lost their homes and possessions to know that communities across the West Midlands want to help rebuild their lives.”
Heart of England Community Foundation has operated across the West Midlands and Warwickshire for more than 30 years and has distributed more than £65 million in grants to local people, charities and voluntary and community organisations.
Through its existing relationships with grassroots organisations, voluntary, community and social enterprise groups, and local authorities, the Foundation can identify where help is needed and distribute funding directly into affected communities.
To donate to the emergency appeal, visit: Emergency Fire Appeal: Supporting West Midlands Families | GoFundMe