Charity gives back to community devastated by flooding

A charity is giving back to its local community, handing out free food and drinks and cleaning materials, after seeing first hand the devastation caused by the recent flooding in the Sankey Bridges area of Warrington.

With premises based on Evelyn Street, Warrington Disability Partnership just missed out on the worst of the flooding, although heavy rain caused four roof collapses as well as standing water on the car park.
But it was nothing compared to the impact on neighbouring properties just down the road.
Charity founder and Chief Executive Dave Thompson said: “Being a full-time wheelchair user, I don’t usually venture out when it’s snowing, but this was a little different. When you’ve seen the devastation caused by the recent flooding, with residents’ carpets, flooring, furniture and possessions piled up outside their homes and in skips, it gives you the motivation to get up and out.
“I am so proud of our team at Warrington Disability Partnership. Even in the snow, sleet and rain, we managed to deliver over 200 breakfast rolls, hot drinks and cleaning materials (mops, brushes, bowls, etc). Huge thank you to Liz from @Asda (Warrington) for their kind donations.
“Thanks to Asda (Warrington) we will be offering free hot food and free hot drinks (takeaway) from our Galleries Cafe in Evelyn Street 9am till 4pm Monday to Friday for at least the next two weeks to residents affected by the flooding on Evelyn Street, Rostherne Close, Liverpool Road and Sankey Bridges. This offer also includes rescue and support workers.
“We will also be delivering snacks and cleaning materials to the families.”
The charity handed out a further 100 hot meals yesterday, Monday, to families from an estimated 100 homes impacted by the floodwaters from the Sankey Canal.
Dave added: “The local community has been very supportive of us over the years so we decided it was time to give something back. Thanks to Asda we have a supply of food and cleaning materials which we can hand out free of charge to anyone in need.”
Anyone living in the area who needs cleaning materials can call 01925 240064. Hot food can also be ordered and collected from the COVID secure Galleries cafe based within the Evelyn Street premises.
Meanwhile, Nick Vaughan, Learning Centre Coordinator at WDP’s Marjorie Griffiths Learning Centre, has set up a fundraising page to help raise money for those impacted by the flooding.
He said: “After going out to give out free hot drink vouchers and some warm snacks donated by Warrington Disability Partnership I have seen what devastation the floods have left in its wake. Some residents have been left with nothing but a huge mess to clean up. Their belongings no longer fit for use and in many cases now having to live in hotels where they have been put by the local authorities. It will be weeks before they will be able to live in their homes again. Please, please help as much as you can for this cause. All our communities need to pull together and help those that have been sadly affected by these floods.”
Donations can be made here https://www.gofundme.com/f/emergency-flood-appeal

This week our Galleries Cafe at our Centre for Independent Living next to Evelyn Street Primary School will be providing ‘Free’ hot meals & drinks to those affected from 8:30am-4pm Mon-Fri aiming to serve over 1000 free meals this week alone as well as providing cleaning supplies pic.twitter.com/pPrVCWsjfH

— Warrington Disability Partnership (@WDPcomms) January 25, 2021