A CROWDFUNDING campaign has been set up to raise funds for a crucial emergency generator in the Meidrim parish, Carmarthenshire, following a recent severe weather event, storm Darragh, that left the community without power for days. The initiative, led by local resident Matthew Barnikel, aims to ensure the parish is better equipped to support its most vulnerable residents during future power cuts.
The prolonged outage left many people, particularly the elderly and those living alone, without heat, light, and access to food or essential services. Some residents were forced to remain in bed due to the freezing cold, unable to source heating or supplies.
The generator will be installed at the chapel vestry, a central building in the parish, which will serve as an emergency hub during any future power outages. The vestry will be equipped to provide warmth, hot water, food, and a place to charge phones and receive vital information. In addition to the generator itself, the funds will be used to adapt the vestry’s wiring and purchase essential supplies, including cooking equipment, food, and fuel.
The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, with £1,215 raised so far, surpassing the initial £900 target. Barnikel, however, stressed the importance of further support to ensure the generator is fully operational and stocked with necessary resources. “Any additional leftover funds after the purchase of the generator will cover the cost of any adaptations to wiring at the chapel vestry, generator fuel and the purchase of essential supplies, such as hot water urns, cooking equipment, food in the event of any future incidents.”
The fundraising campaign is open to donations, with every contribution helping to safeguard the community’s well-being in the face of unpredictable weather events. To donate or find out more, visit the GoFundMe page HERE.
