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Volunteers save the day at Somerset Community Foundation

February 25, 2014

David Heath and Sarah Yong

It’s been a busy month at Somerset Community Foundation (SCF). Based in an unassuming office on the Bath and West Showground, the small charity launched the Somerset Flood Relief Fund on 9th January, which has now raised over £550,000 for flood victims in Somerset. With telephone donations lighting up the phones and cheques coming in from all over the country, the tiny staff of 4 have required extra manpower to process donations quickly so that the money can get to people who need assistance as soon as possible.

Local MP David Heath was in the office this week to help the very busy SCF in their efforts, along with one of his staff and new prospective parliamentary candidate Sarah Yong. David said “I have been doing everything I can to push the Government to support flooded communities on the Somerset Levels, and this week I wanted to ensure I was in Somerset doing something productive for the relief effort on the ground. SCF are doing an amazing job and they know just where the money needs to go to help those most affected. When I realised their team were desperate for help I was delighted to offer support”.

Employees from Glastonbury and Shepton Mallet Tesco stores have been volunteering in the office for the last two weeks. The grocery store company is working closely with SCF to raise money for flood-victims right across the South West, with donations being split across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. Deputy Chief Executive of SCF Mary Hancock said, “When Tesco called to offer to collect donations in store, they also asked what was needed on the ground immediately. I requested a small army of volunteers, and they have just been brilliant!”

Other volunteers that have helped out with the relief effort include employees from Somerset County Council, the Alliance of Religion and Conservation, as well as Quartet and Wiltshire Community Foundations. 

Tesco Volunteer


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