A community arts organisation in Kendal has launched a donation page to keep operating after a burst water pipe has left it urgently needing to find a new home.
Ragtag Arts and Community Scrapstore described what they discovered after returning from a Christmas break as a ‘nightmare’.
The organisation’s home, its café and scrapstore, which is located at Mealbank, was flooded and damaged due to a burst water pipe.
The organisation has said that the café’s ceilings, walls and floors need serious repair.
Due to the burst pipe, the Ragtag team said they expect the café and scrapstore to be shut for six months.
They said the building’s insurance will only cover the damage caused to the café, not help cover the cost of bills or staff wages while the cleanup operation continues.
As a result, the organisation is now on the lookout for a new venue and has set up a GoFundMe to help ‘keep the lights on’.
Taking to Facebook, Ragtag Arts said: “We’ve set up a GoFundMe to help us secure a temporary venue in Kendal and keep running the sessions that matter - Carnival Club, Youth Arts, workshops, all the good stuff that keeps our community connected.
“Because Ragtag isn’t just a place to pop in for craft supplies – it’s a lifeline for a lot of people.
“We’re especially proud of our volunteers - including those involved in our ReMake Scheme, supporting people with disabilities to be part of something creative, social and meaningful.
“For many, Ragtag is routine, purpose, confidence, friendship, and a real sense of belonging.
“If we disappear for 6 months, it leaves a big hole.”
Ragtag Arts have said that donations to its GoFundMe will help to cover the costs of hiring a new temporary venue, extra running costs, staff wages, and kit deemed essential to its operation that was damaged by the burst pipe, and won’t be covered by the insurance.
Readers can donate to the cause by visiting the donation page here: Ragtag Community Scrapstore - Can you help?
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