Disaster Relief Fund for Shaw is awarded £125,000

Forever Manchester looks after the Fund on behalf of Greater Manchester Local Authorities. This is a special fund that is used to support the victims of large scale and personal disasters.

The fund helps to cover costs that provide immediate relief to victims, such as providing families with clothes and furniture when people have had to flee their homes due to violence or disasters like the explosion in Shaw.

The £125,000 award made to Oldham Council is taken from the pot of money that has been kept in trust following fundraising from the Woolworths fire of 1979, the Manchester Airport disaster of 1985 and the 1996 Manchester City Centre bombing.

Money donated to the Fund through Forever Manchester over the last week totalling more than £4,000 has been added to this.

Oldham Council will now be responsible for ensuring this money is distributed effectively to those in need through the Oldham Distress Fund.

Councillor Jean Stretton, Oldham Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “We are delighted that Forever Manchester have made such a significant donation.”

“The tragic events in Shaw have clearly touched people beyond Oldham. This donation reflects the scale of the explosion and the depth of feeling across Greater Manchester.

“We are very lucky in this region to have Forever Manchester, which is a really dedicated and innovative fundraising body. We are extremely grateful to them, and all those who support them, for this fantastic contribution.”

Jim McMahon, Oldham Council Leader, added: “The total now available for dispersal amongst the affected residents in Shaw now stands at around £235,000.”

“This is a remarkable sum and we know there’s more to come because there are several fundraising community events still to take place.

“Clearly this a fantastic achievement…but unfortunately we still need more. Dozens of properties have been affected and many residents have incurred considerable losses and expenses.

“So our message is a massive ‘Thank You!’ to Forever Manchester and all the people and businesses that have already donated, and a continued plea for donations to help provide all the support residents need.”

Nick Massey Chief Executive of Forever Manchester added: “The Disaster Relief Fund has proven once again to be a major support to the people of Greater Manchester. It is essential that we continue to grow this fund to ensure that help is always available should the region suffer such disasters in the future. People can donate to this Fund at any time through Forever Manchester.”

Those in need of help should contact 0161 770 7770

To donate to the Official Oldham Distress Fund, please visit http://www.oldham.gov.uk/distress_fund

Those wanting to donate to the Manchester Disaster Relief Fund should visit www.forevermanchester.com