Over £1m has been raised for flood relief by eight local community foundations in flood-affected areas, and by the umbrella body for the community foundations network.

Community foundations in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cornwall, Devon, Norfolk, Somerset, Surrey and Wales set up relief funds to respond to the devastation brought by extreme weather in recent months.

In addition to these area-specific funds, UK Community Foundations, the national umbrella body, launched a national appeal.
 
Money raised so far has provided immediate emergency relief, including hardship grants of up to £250 delivered within 48 hours to eligible applicants.
 
The most substantial donation to date was from furniture maker and retailer Wren Living, which donated 10 per cent of its UK-wide turnover for one week in February, resulting in a £400,000 donation which was split between the eight foundations running flood appeals.  
 
Stephen Hammersley, chief executive of UK Community Foundations, said:  “We all know that the delays in a co-ordinated response to the storms and flooding left many unsure of where to turn.

"Community foundations were a huge part of these efforts and will continue fundraising and supporting local people and local business to overcome the devastation brought by the adverse weather.”