$350K cash raised so far for Burlington flood relief

(Updated)

Two million dollars in thirty days. That’s how much money the Burlington Community Foundation hopes to raise to help victims of last month’s flooding. The fundraising efforts officially kicked off at a news conference this morning.

While it sounds like a big number, they are already well on their way. So many people have a loved one or neighbour who was devastated by the rainfall and fundraisers are confident they’re ready to open their pockets.

30 days ago, the city of Burlington was transformed by a downpour of almost 20 centimetres of rain.

30 days from now, it hopes to raise 2 million dollars to help reverse the damage.

Colleen Mulholland is the President of the Burlington Community Foundation: “It’s absolutely doable. And again, we’re a very giving community and we’re gonna hit the target.”

Most flood victims have begun repairing their waterlogged basements.

But almost one quarter of the 2,300 affected homes are underinsured or not insured at all.

At the Apple Mead Housing Co-op, 24 townhouse units were flooded. Out of those, less than half were insured.

“Everything has to be ripped out still.”

Holly Nixon is one of those people. As a single mom, she can’t afford to replace what she lost: “I work two part time jobs right to try to make it with the kids. It is paycheck to paycheck so it’s overwhelming because financially, how do you just replace a washer, a dryer, a furnace.”

To help residents like her pay for the cost of repairs, the Burlington Community Foundation is heading a massive fundraising effort with businessman Ron Foxcroft.

Donations are already pouring in. Ribfest events raised $40 thousand, bringing the total to $450 thousand.

Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring: “They’re gonna’ raise the two million dollars so we’ll have a finite number and that will really give the province an indication of the support in the community and that they need to step up after that.”

The city hopes Ontario’s Disaster Relief Assistance Program will match that number two to one. But residents say they need money now.

Colleen Mulholland: “It’s very quickly out of sight out of mind. No question this is lightening speed. This is a made in Burlington approach and we’re going to get it done.”

Here on Driftwood Drive, you can still see some evidence of the flooding in these large storage bins. But after signs like this disappear, the fundraising will keep going. The two million dollar goal is set for October 4th, but fundraising will continue until December.

Burlington Community Foundation flood relief donation website

Additional video: News Now coverage of the Burlington Community Foundation media conference: