Overwhelming Local Response to Grenfell Tower Tragedy

Collections and donations for those affected by horrific blaze

The local community in Ealing and beyond has responded to the Grenfell tower block blaze by collecting essential items and delivering them to the various community centres looking after those left homeless by the fire.

Many of the centres can no longer accept donations and those who want to help are now being directed to fundraising pages.

Ealing Council Leader, Councillor Julian Bell, said: “We were shocked and saddened by the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower in Kensington. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with all those who have lost loved ones, suffered injuries or been made homeless.

“We have offered support to colleagues at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and will stay in contact with them to continue to offer help over the coming days.
 
“The cause of the fire is unknown, but I do want to reassure you that we have a strict and rigorous fire safety inspection regime in place. All of our tower blocks are fully compliant and independent inspections are carried out regularly. 
 
“In light of these tragic events, we will now be going door to door in all of our tower blocks to provide reassurance to our residents, hand out fire safety information and help them with any concerns they may have.” 
 
London Fire Brigade advise that people who live in high rise properties or purpose built flats and maisonettes, aside from having a working smoke alarm and taking fire safety precautions, should make sure that they know their escape plan and what to do if there is a fire inside their home or somewhere else in the building. Full information on this is available at www.london-fire.gov.uk/know-the-plan
 
The Kensington and Chelsea Foundation has set up a fundraising page for cash donations. To donate please visit its website - https://thekandcfoundation.com/donate/ - and when you have indicated the amount you wish to donate, tick the box Grenfell Tower Appeal. Every penny raised will go to those affected.

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea will continue to update its statement on the fire and its relief operation - www.rbkc.gov.uk/newsroom/all-council-statements/fire-grenfell-tower

15th June 2017