Met with evacuated families in pysj and sokkelesten – VG

On Wednesday night, members of the Lillestrøm Kanarifansen fan club relax clothes and toys from a truck in front of the Olavsgaard hotel. Throughout the day, evacuated residents of Gjerdrum packed the hotel after the landslide that struck the area last night.

– When we arrived with the first load this morning, the families we met were standing on the pedestal and in pajamas. Even then, we realized that it was important to do this, says Joachim Møller.

He is a member of the board of the Lillestrøm fan club and one of the initiators of the Kanarifansen fundraising campaign. Canarian fans are among the many volunteers who have brought clothing and equipment to the hotel beyond Wednesday.

– When it really hits, as it has now, it is important to contribute, he says.

People lined up

During the day, Kanarifansen has had a collection center in the center of Lillestrøm, where around 30 supporters have worked with the collection. It is organized in collaboration with the municipality of Gjerdrum, who contacted Møller when they saw the initiative.

– We share it on our channels and people have mobilized more. There were people in line to deliver clothes and equipment when we opened at 10 today. So it has exceeded all expectations, he says.

So far, they have filled two vans and a truck with clothing and equipment. The Red Cross has been installed in a hotel lobby and assists in the sorting and delivery of clothing and equipment to the evacuees.

– Things are still being collected, and the collection will at least be open tomorrow too, he says.

– Many who have nothing

Jorun Skryseth is among those who have delivered clothing and equipment directly to the Olavsgaard Hotel. He does not live in the municipality, but works in Gjerdrum. The daycare he works in is just outside the landslide area.

– I am part of the Facebook group Gjerdrumsportalen, where it was encouraged to deliver clothes to the evacuees. I didn’t meet any acquaintances inside the hotel, but there were many there, he says.

Clarion Hotel the Qube in Gardermoen has also accommodated evacuees after the landslide. As at the Olavsgaard Hotel, there has been an influx of volunteers who have delivered clothing and equipment to those affected.

Among them is Camilla Svensson from Kløfta, who started a fundraising campaign on Facebook.

– I wrote a post where I tagged someone and then they snuck in, says Svensson.

He collected diapers, clothes and toys from 60 directions and filled several cars.

– We have everything, and now there are many who have nothing.

Line Marie Bratvold participates in the delivery of the collected bags. Svensson boasts.

– She is Mother Teresa of Kløfta, says Bratvold.

Ikhlaq Ahmad and Zamran Ahmad Butt had also made the trip to help the evacuees.

– We thought we had to contribute when a disaster like this happens in Norway, says Ahmad.

He is the director of operations for the Oslo-based Islamic Cultural Center of Norway. He says they had raised funds from members of the congregation.

– We contacted the municipality and the hotel earlier today, who said there was a need for hygiene items, among other things. We’ve bought as much that as chocolate, fries and crown cake, says Ahmad.

– We met a lady who was incredibly happy just for a bandage, she says.