Thousands raised for residents affected by Basingstoke fire
24 homes were involved in the fire at Oakridge back in May
More than £12,000 has been raised as part of a community fundraising effort to support residents affected by a fire that destroyed a number of homes in Oakridge.
In response to offers of help from the community, a fund was launched by Basingstoke Voluntary Action and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to support those affected by the fire involving 24 homes in Oakridge Road on 27 May.
Following the fire, a number of fundraising events were held and this added to the donations from residents and businesses, raising a total of £12,408. This included large donations from residents and businesses in Oakridge including The Oak pub, Basingstoke Rotary Club, Oakridge and South View schools and the Nisa store, amongst others.
This funding will be distributed equally to those affected by the fire in order for them to pay for items such as clothing and furniture.
Since the fire, 11 households have returned to their homes and 14 have moved into alternative accommodation while construction work takes place on the homes destroyed by the fire.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Leader Cllr Paul Harvey said:
“It has been fantastic to see the outpouring of support from across the whole of the borough, and in particular the Oakridge community, to help everyone affected by this devastating fire.
“To raise over £12,000 is a fantastic achievement and I would personally like to say a huge thank you to every resident and business that has donated and taken the time to organise fundraising events. This money will help those affected to buy essential items as they get settled into their homes.
“Our priority has been working alongside VIVID to ensure residents affected by the fire have been able to move back to their home as quickly as possible and, where this is not possible, suitable alternative homes have been provided working with residents depending on their needs and where they wish to live.”
Chief Executive of Basingstoke Voluntary Action Tony Capon said:
“We have been amazed by the speed and generosity of the community through both our online CAF donation page and cash donations.
“Working with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and VIVID Housing, the funding has been allocated to cash cards for each of the families, which we hope will give the greatest flexibility and support.”