€1 million target raised in Irish Red Cross Floods Disaster Appeal

The appeal, which was launched at the end of November in response to the severe flooding around the country, received an overwhelming response from members of the public, businesses, and the media, with their support and creative fundraising initiatives encouraging a steady stream of donations to the fund.

"Reaching our goal of €1 million today is a fantastic achievement for the Irish Red Cross and a true testament to the kindness and generosity of the Irish people, particularly in these difficult economic times and over the Christmas period," said Declan O'Sullivan, Acting Secretary General of the Irish Red Cross.

Since the beginning of the flooding, Red Cross volunteers and ambulances have been on call day and night to assist members of the public who had become stranded in their homes and businesses due to the rising water levels, as well as distributing clean water and blankets to those most vulnerable.

Now, in the wake of the disaster, applications for financial assistance from the Irish Red Cross Flood Relief Fund are currently being accepted and processed, with the Society reporting a very strong interest from the public.

"We are now looking forward to processing these applications and distributing funds to those who have been hit hardest by the floods. I would encourage members of the public whose homes have been affected by the floods to fill out and return an application form as soon as possible," added Declan O'Sullivan.

Application forms for the Irish Red Cross Flood Relief Fund can be found by logging onto www.redcross.ie or by calling 1850 50 70 70. The closing date for applications is Friday 22 January 2010.
Notes to Editor

• Interviews with Irish Red Cross spokespersons can be arranged.
• The Irish Red Cross has assisted victims of floods in Ireland on several occasions in the past, most recently when floods struck Nenagh early in 2009 and assistance was needed to evacuate nursing homes.
• The Irish Red Cross has focused on building-up a fleet of vehicles that are capable of helping people in floods and other off-road situations, such as the recent heavy snowfall and icy conditions around the country, having invested €3.5 million in both off-road ambulances and other vehicles in the last decade.
• There are approximately 6,000 members of the Irish Red Cross who are all volunteers serving in local communities in every county in Ireland.
• The Irish Red Cross is responding to floods in Ireland, in fulfilment of its role as an auxiliary to the State.

For media enquiries please contact Aoife MacEoin, National Communications Officer, Irish Red Cross. Tel: 087 998 3788
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