Flood victims in Dallas will be amongst the first to be offered assistance from a community group formed in the aftermath of the storms that decimated parts of Moray earlier this month.
Formed when it became apparent that the aftermath of Hurricane Bertha had wreaked havoc to many homes in the region, ‘Moray Flood Support 2014’ was launched via social media.
Created by two concerned Lossiemouth residents Lorna Alexander and Audrey Smith, the site called on donations of furniture, clothing and household items that would help replace some of the items lost by families whose homes were hit by the floods.
[box] “We felt that we wanted to do something to help and so set up the Facebook page – the response was immediate and absolutely overwhelming.”[/box] Audrey said: “The idea came from driving home on the day the floods hit and seeing so much furniture, clothing and bedding having to be thrown out of homes hit by the floods.
“We felt that we wanted to do something to help and so set up the Facebook page – the response was immediate and absolutely overwhelming.”
The most pressing problem faced by the pair was where to store the items being donated by the generous Moray public – then last week local construction group Morrison’s stepped in by offering the use of one of its units at Edgar Road in Elgin as a temporary depot.
Now the pair are set to swing into action when members of the Dallas community attend a public meeting organised by Moray Council today.
At that meeting villagers have been asked to take along photographic and video evidence of the day disaster visited many of their homes, so that representatives from the Council, SEPA and the Scottish Flood Forum can best understand the extend of flood damage and offer help and advice to those affected.
Audrey and Lorna will also attend the meeting to highlight the support of the entire Moray community. Audrey said: “We have typed out letters which will be hand delivered to the Dallas meeting.
“We have had a massive response from the community and have received lots of donations of furniture, household necessities/clothing.
“We have also had support from Asda and the Co-operative in Elgin who are providing us with collection points while the central storage provided by Robertson Construction at Edgar Road is invaluable, we are very grateful to everyone who has donated items already and to businesses who have been so quick to rally in support.”
[box type=”info”]Anyone who requires information should visit the Moray Flood Support 2014 Facebook page where they can contact Lorna and Audrey. The same route should be used by anyone struggling in the aftermath of the floods who might require assistance.[/box]