A fundraising appeal has been launched to help a Ryde charity get back on its feet after devastating flooding last week. Staff are also being supported with free lunches from a local family-run bakery business.
Tidal Family Support provides support for hundreds of vulnerable families on Isle of Wight and as the flooding arriving during half term, it meant they had to turn away 15 children who were expecting to be with them during the school holidays.
Michael Lilley, the Liberal Democrat councillor for Ryde Appley and Elmfield ward, told News OnTheWight,
“Tidal is a lifeline for so many children and families. After they were flooded out last week, Lemlec, their community-spirited neighbours, provided huge support, helping to clear the water from the building.
“We need to make sure this important charity is back in action quickly and supported. They literally save lives.”
Contaminated flood water filled the offices, playrooms, sensory rooms and more. The water soaked through toys, books, paperwork, furniture and carpets.
Go Fund Me appeal launched
Now in order to re-open and continue their vital work for Island Families, Tidal needs to raise just over £5,000 to replace what they lost in the flooding.
A Go Fund Me appeal has been launched by Sarah Redrup, the Liberal Democrat councillor for Wotton, who grew up in Ryde and has a family business there (Grace’s Bakery).
Sarah says,
“There are many things that Tidal’s families lost during the flood, countless personal items with sentimental value.
“Although we can’t get those back, we can at least help Tidal to open their doors once again.”
Show your support
If you would like to show your support and make a donation, you can do that over on the Go Fund Me appeal page.
Free lunches for Tidal’s staff
Grace’s Bakery have also offered free lunches to Tidal’s staff while their kitchen is out of use due to the flood damage. Sarah explained,
“I was devastated to hear about the flood damage to Tidal Family Support’s building last week. Small Isle of Wight charities are struggling now more than ever to operate on limited funding, so I can only imagine how heart breaking it was for the staff to see their years of hard work washed away overnight.
“It’s times like these that the Ryde community must come together and support each other so Councillor Michael Lilley and I have set up a GoFundMe to raise money for Tidal to re-build. Every donation, even if it is a few pounds, will be a huge help towards repairing their flooring, replacing their sensory room equipment and more.
“Here at Grace’s Bakery we have also offered Tidal’s staff free lunches and hot drinks while their kitchen is out of use, so at least getting a hot lunch will be one less thing for them to worry about.”
