Emergency Appeal to Help Those in Need in Lincolnshire
A new coronavirus crisis fund has been launched to help save lives in Lincolnshire.
The Lincolnshire Covid-19 Crisis Fund has been set up by the Lincolnshire Community Foundation
which is hoping to raise £500,000 and is appealing for donations from kind-hearted businesses and individuals.
All the money raised will go to charities, community groups and social enterprises which are providing vital help and support to those most at risk from the disease.
Joint CEO of the Lincolnshire Community Foundation Sue Fortune said: “There is no doubt this money will help save lives. Over 23% of the people living in Lincolnshire are over 65 years old and face being isolated for months to come. Thousands of others are vulnerable owing to mental health issues, physical disabilities or underlying health conditions which also put them at risk.
“For many, the only advice, support and contact they receive is from local voluntary and community organisations running food banks, providing hot meals and offering befriending services over the phone or online.
“These organisations offer a lifeline for people of all ages living in both rural and urban areas of our county and the needs are increasing and evolving day by day as we try to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The first round of emergency grants has been distributed to organisations including: Jubilee Church Life Centre which is delivering over 20 food parcels a day to people in the Grantham area; Creative Start in Grimsby which supports members recovering from addiction; Tonic Health in Spalding which is delivering hot meals to elderly and vulnerable people living in rural areas; ACTS Trust and Bridge Church in Lincoln which are rising to the challenge of increased demand for food; and the Parish of Boston which provides homeless people with hot breakfasts.
Chief Executive of the ACTS Trust Simon Hoare said: “”The effects of the Coronavirus are being felt by us all, but we are really aware that those who are already facing challenges are feeling the full force of the current circumstances.
“Lincoln Foodbank has seen a dramatic increase in the number of people with lost income who are needing support with an emergency food parcel. Some folk are stuck in their homes with no money and no one to help. As such, Foodbank is needed more than ever.
“Many of our usual sources of funding have suddenly reduced or even stopped and some of our costs have inevitable increased with the extra support needed, so the support we’ve received from the Lincolnshire Community Foundation’s Covid-19 Crisis Fund is not only greatly appreciated – it has proved vitally essential!”
The Lincolnshire Community Foundation, based in Sleaford, is also working with the National Emergencies Trust (NET) which has launched a UK-wide appeal, in partnership with the British Red Cross.
The NET will distribute money raised via organisations including local community foundations, to ensure it reaches those who need it most.
Sue explained: “We recognise how important it is to respond quickly and proactively and provide financial support to voluntary groups so they can meet the increased demand or adapt the services they offer in these difficult and unprecedented times.
“One hundred percent of the funds we raise will go towards helping Lincolnshire residents and we would urge businesses and individuals to donate whatever they can afford to support people who are suffering real physical, emotional and financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
“If you are an existing or new community group seeking funds, please get in touch to find out how we may be able to help.”
To donate to the Lincolnshire Covid-19 Crisis Fund please visit the community foundation’s TotalGiving page: https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/lincolnshirecovid19fund
To apply for a share of funding please call the Lincolnshire Community Foundation on 01529 305825.
Notes for editors:
- The Lincolnshire Community Foundation, based in Sleaford, is one of 46 accredited Community Foundations across the UK which bring communities together, fund great ideas and inspire local philanthropy.
- Community Foundations collectively give out around £100 million every year in grants to charities, community groups and individuals.
- They are well placed to support local charities to overcome challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic. They an in-depth understanding of their local area, what the priority needs are and how best to address these issues so they can ensure the funding goes where it is most needed and can make the most impact.
- To find out more about the Lincolnshire Community Foundation visit lincolnshirecf.co.uk or follow them on Twitter @lincolnshirecf, Facebook @lincscf and Instagram @lincolnshirecommtyfoundation
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