How Two Ridings stepped up to help North Yorkshire families during Christmas floods

Marton near Kirkbymoorside – Picture: North Yorkshire Weather Updates
The holiday season is typically a time for joy and togetherness, but for many families in North Yorkshire, it was a time of unexpected devastation. Storm Darragh hit the region in early December, bringing severe flooding to areas around Whitby and Kirkbymoorside, leaving local residents with damaged homes, power outages, and overwhelming stress during what should have been a time of celebration.
But even during the holiday hustle and bustle, Two Ridings wasted no time in responding to the crisis. Working in close collaboration with North Yorkshire Council, we launched the Flood Disaster Fund, aimed at providing much-needed financial assistance to households affected. And thanks to this quick action, and colleagues from the council liaising directly with residents, we have already helped 38 families begin the long road to recovery.
“We knew it was important to get funds to those who needed it, especially during Christmas,”
said Celia McKeon, Chief Executive at Two Ridings.
“The moment the floods hit, we worked closely with North Yorkshire Council to understand the specific needs of those affected. Our team was dedicated to setting up a system that would allow funds to be delivered quickly—especially when many were dealing with the added stress of the holiday season.”
Despite the Christmas break, the team at Two Ridings made sure that no one was left waiting. On December 23rd and 30th, some of the Grants and Finance team logged in to process applications and ensure that grants reached people when they needed them the most.
And it wasn’t just about giving out funds; it was about showing up when the community needed support. One recipient shared their appreciation, saying,
“The grant was greatly appreciated at a time of some stress! Thank you to you and the team for your support.”
This kind of impact shows just how crucial these grants are in helping families replace essential items and get back on their feet.
Of course Two Ridings isn’t new to lending a helping hand. In the last year they have provided over £2 million to more than 500 community organisations in the region. The ongoing commitment to local residents is a testament to the foundation’s role as a lifeline for those in need—especially in times of crisis.
Through their work, Two Ridings proves that even in the toughest moments, there are people and organisations out there who are ready to step up and make a real difference. If you’re looking for a way to give back or want to learn more about their ongoing efforts, check our Giving pages and get involved. Together, we can keep supporting our communities, no matter what challenges come our way.

The River Esk near Whitby -Picture: North Yorkshire Weather Updates