More than £155,000 has been raised to support those affected by the recent wildfires in the West Midlands.
The series of fires across the region has left many families homeless, with their possessions and homes destroyed by flames. The funds raised are being directed towards covering emergency living costs, providing essential items, and offering practical help to those hardest hit as they start to rebuild their lives.
The Heart of England Community Foundation has been instrumental in the effort, raising over £50,000 through their emergency appeal for the West Midlands.
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In Birmingham alone, over £35,000 has been collected to assist victims of house fires on Gorleston Road. Among those supported are a family who escaped with only the clothes they were wearing and a son raising money to support his parents.
A Birmingham family in Kings Norton who lost all their belongings in a fire have received more than £1,000 in donations.
Stourbridge, which was a focal point of wildfire coverage last week and received a visit from Mayor Andy Burnham, has seen more than £32,000 raised to help families recover from the devastation.
Tragically, a family in the Black Country lost two cats in the fires; funds exceeding £11,000 have been collected to support them.
In Pershore, a fundraising page set up by sisters for their brother and his family has brought in over £12,500.
Further donations include nearly £2,000 for a grandmother in Oldbury whose home, filled with memories, was destroyed by a grass fire, described as ‘heart-breaking’.
In Stoke-on-Trent, over £14,000 has been raised for a family left homeless who also suffered the loss of two pet guinea pigs.
The Heart of England Community Foundation emphasises: “Families across the West Midlands have lost homes, possessions, and a sense of security. Together, we can help them take the first steps towards recovery. Please give what you can and share this appeal with others. Every donation, no matter the size, will help local families rebuild their lives after this devastating event.”