Daily Mail and General Trust : DMGT employees volunteer time for Grenfell Tower victims

Following the terrible fire at Grenfell Tower close to DMGT's London HQ, more than 80 employees have volunteered their time to help victims of the tragedy. The volunteering programme was coordinated in partnership with DMGT's local charity partner, the Kensington & Chelsea Foundation, which is coordinating a major funding appeal with the support from London Funders and the London Emergency Trust fund, and has set up a donation page on its website. Every penny raised on the site will go directly to charities funding the relief effort in the community.

DMGT donated £100,000 to the fund in the wake of the disaster and managers at the company's London officers were given discretion to free up employees' time in order for them to help with the relief effort.

The Grenfell Tower Fund appeal has raised £3.4 million so far, and funds are now being released in the form of initial contributions. The next of kin of those who tragically lost their lives in the Grenfell fire are to receive an initial £20,000 and those seriously injured will receive up to an initial £10,000 when their details are released. Those made homeless will receive a 'fresh start' grant of £10,000 per family when they are permanently rehoused.

Susan Dolton, K&C Foundation Director, commented, 'As an established local charity we were one of the first to raise and distribute funds to those who lost their homes in the Grenfell Tower fire through some of our excellent local charity partners. We welcome this new unified effort that will ensure that everyone affected by this tragic event receives the support they need as quickly as possible.'

Volunteers have been working on the ground in the vicinity of Grenfell Tower and have been helping those affected by the fire in any way possible including sorting through clothes donations, handing out food and offering general support.