British Embassy Raises nearly 14,000 GEL for Flood Victims
On 30 June, British Ambassador Alexandra Hall Hall hosted an awareness and fund raising event to help those affected by the tragic floods of June 13 in Tbilisi.
The fundraiser was attended by the Deputy Mayor of Tbilisi and economic expert Irakli Lekvinadze and the Deputy Finance Minister of Georgia, David Lezhava (whose ministry has been responsible for working out a concrete assessment of damage and international needs), as well as members of the British-Georgian business community, British nationals and close associates of the UK living and working in Georgia.
Ambassador Hall Hall: “When we in the Embassy heard the news about the terrible floods in Georgia two weeks ago, we immediately began to think what we could do as well as what we could say about the tragedy. The idea of a fundraiser came up. I thought it would be nice to involve the British community… and we are really appreciative of the response and offers of help. We are also working closely with the Georgian government to identify areas where the British government might help in a more sustainable way, in addition to the contributions made by the UK through the EU.”
The fundraising event began with a respectful minute of silence followed by a musical tribute by the English Speaking Union’s children’s choir singing ‘Eidelweiss’ and the deep poignant tones of Georgian male choir, Urmuli.
“We are here to pay tribute to the victims of the flood,” Ambassador Hall Hall told her special guests. “We are here to show, on a very personal level, how much this beautiful country means to us. And for those of us who have lived here and appreciated the Georgian hospitality, it’s to share in your sorrow as you work to rebuild your beautiful city.”
The Ambassador went on to mention various organizations and individuals who “donated generously in time and money,” from providing food and drink for volunteers in the days of the clean-up campaign, to the BGCC Katie Melua concert- which raised almost Ј8000 – and the UK Mayhew Animal Home which is now in consultation with Tbilisi authorities regarding dog population care and management.
Deputy Mayor of Tbilisi Irakli Lekvinadze thanked both those present and the international communities for their emotional and financial support during the hard times following the tragic flooding which left 19 dead, three people missing and 160 families without homes. “700 people were affected by the disaster,” Lekvinadze said. “Those who lost their homes have been relocated and provided with accommodation, though they still need a lot of assistance.”
He went on to highlight that there is still a long way to go in terms of financing. “Our [state] fund has raised 24 mln Lari, yet the cost of the damage is far greater.”
Sixty percent of Tbilisi Zoo was irreparably destroyed and Lekvinadze spoke of a number of plans being considered regarding the new design of the Zoo which will be located on a large expanse of land near Tbilisi Sea. As for the flood-damaged area that the Zoo currently occupies, it will be made into the “Solidarity Park” in memorial of the tragic event, the victims, and the way that society united to help.
“One of most inspiring things about these floods,” Ambassador Hall Hall concluded, “is how it brought out that measure of solidarity. It is a test of where a country is heading, when you can see that civic responsibility and response, especially from the youth of Georgia.”
The event raised 7,052 GEL and 800 USD in cash donations while 3 000 GEL will be transferred directly to a special state account. The HIPPO Fund raised 2,160 GEL.
“We would like to once again thank everyone who made this event possible and donated to the fundraising event; and also to those who helped bring it all together: Hippo Fund; folk company Urmuli, supported by the British Georgian Chamber of Commerce; British Corner Children’s Choir; Katie Davies and Georgia Today; and Rod McKenzie, Pam Kemsley, Pauline Totterdell and English Book in Georgia for the catering.
Katie Ruth Davies