Yorkshire
Disaster relief
Yorkshire floods
In 2019 and 2020, we donated over £40,000 to support people affected by flooding in Yorkshire.
In August 2019, flash flooding hit hundreds of homes across the dales, including Arkengarthdale, Reeth, Leyburn and Bellerby. A £15,000 grant was donated to the Two Ridings Community Foundation, which launched an appeal to help householders and local businesses.
Just a few months later south Yorkshire was hit by yet more flooding, and a further £10,000 was donated to the South Yorkshire Community Foundation’s Emergency Flood Disaster Relief Appeal.
In February 2020, Storm Ciara wreaked affected across the country. The unprecedented rainfall which accompanied Storm Ciara, caused the River Calder to rise to a height of 16 feet, three feet higher than ever previously recorded. This displaced more people from their homes and caused further destruction to local busineses.
A third emergency grant was awarded, this time donated to Calderdale Lighthouse and the Community Foundation for the Calderdale Flood Appeal.
These donations from the MCF were boosted by grants totalling £20,000 from local Freemasons.
David Pratt, Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Yorkshire West Riding, said:
It’s very depressing that these latest floods have hit our communities before damage from the last flood has been dealt with. Nonetheless, I’m very pleased that Freemasons have been able to move so fast to provide help to those who’ve been so badly affected.
My thoughts are with everyone who’s dealing with the utter despair caused by clearing up and the time it takes to repair their homes.
