Thousands raised for Fens Pool Community Centre by almost 100 generous donors after fire as local MP urges people to give cash
Almost 100 people have donated to the fundraiser set up in the wake of the fire which destroyed a Pensnett community centre.
The blaze at Fens Pool Community Centre last Tuesday left a hole in the roof and severe smoke damage to the building.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has racked up £3,415 in six days after setting a target of £4,500.
Dudley MP Sonia Kumar backed the fundraiser.
She said: "I'm deeply saddened by the fire at Fens Pool Community Centre early on Tuesday morning.
"This much-loved local hub has served countless families and community groups in Dudley, and the damage caused is heart-breaking.
"It’s believed the fire was started deliberately, and I urge anyone with information to contact West Midlands Police."
The MP believes the centre provided the community with support which needs to be replaced.
She said: "The community centre is more than a building—it’s a lifeline for many. I’ll do everything I can to support efforts to rebuild and ensure local groups aren’t left without a home."
The MP also urged people to donate to the fund.
She said: "Please consider supporting the GoFundMe campaign to help restore the centre. Let’s stand together to restore what’s been lost "
The organiser of the fundraiser on the GoFundMe platform promised the centre would not be destroyed by the fire and ,make a comeback.
They said: "We are absolutely devastated to announce that we have today had our beloved community centre set alight, along with that went three years of hard work and dedication which has gone up in smoke.
"We are looking to get this centre modernised and rebuilt and hopefully in doing so it will rebuild community spirit.
"We are absolutely devastated, firefighters have said this could be an act of arson. We feel hopeless and need as much support as possible - we don’t want to let this centre go because of how much hard work has gone into building our community centre up.
"Every single penny will help put a smile back on all of the children, adults, and members faces that use this centre and join us for all of the activities we try and do together."
To donate to the fund visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/reconstruction-of-fenspool-cc.
