Ambler Savings Bank doubled the Hurricane Ida relief efforts raised by the Ambler Main Street business association. In doing so, its contribution enabled a total of $34,500 in aid to go to home- and business-owners still recovering from the storm.

The support was made available to recipients through the Upper Dublin Township Citizen Emergency Fund (CEF).

The community response kicked in almost immediate after the disaster.

Hurricane Ida stomped through Montgomery County on September 1, flooding streets and home, stranding residents, and devastating 1,300 properties in Upper Dublin Township.

By September 3, the Ambler Main Street effort was in full swing to help. Collections continued throughout the rest of the month.

“We aren’t used to tornados like this in our area. And seeing the destruction only a stone’s throw away from our Borough Hall, we knew we had to do something to help,” said Liz Kunzier, Manager, Ambler Main Street. “Once businesses heard what we were doing and that [donations were] going to the township (who already had a fund established for this type of emergency), people opened their pockets in a big way,” continued Liz.

Ambler Savings Bank also sought a way to help, leading to not only the matched donation but an additional $9,000 in hurricane support. In total, the bank provided $26,000 to the weather-ravaged community in Ambler.

“The rebuilding efforts will take months or years in some cases and, unfortunately, insurance may not cover the needs people are facing. So, we wanted to step in with a donation that we hope will make an impact,” said Roger Zacharia, President & CEO, Ambler Savings Bank.

For Zacharia, as a resident of Upper Dublin Township, the tornado hit close to home both physically and personally. “My house was spared by a few blocks. Many of our customers, neighbors and local business owners were not as fortunate, so it was important to me that we act on our commitment to the community,” he concluded.

Upper Dublin Township is now accepting relief requests; the application form can be found on its website.

“We are thankful for the generosity of our neighbors at Ambler Savings Bank and Ambler Main Street. There is a long road to recovery and this donation will help a lot of people,” says Jonathan Bleemer, Finance Director, Upper Dublin Township.

Donations are still being accepted to the Citizen Fund and can be found online.

Ambler Savings Bank is a mutually-organized community bank headquartered in Ambler, Pennsylvania with locations in Fairview Village, Limerick, and Bally, as well as several continuing care retirement facilities.