Community Foundation dishes out £84k to charities on virus frontline

The community Foundation for Calderdale has dished out £84,000 in grants to front line charities during Covid-19 crisis.

The grants have been allocated from the CFFC’s Community Resilience Fund.

The Community Resilience Fund was set up by the CFFC in a bid to offer extra funds and support to organisation on the front line.

The fund has already smashed its original target of £100,000, and received over £113,000 through a series of donations from local people and businesses and government grants. Consequently, the Foundation has set itself a new target of £250,000.

All the money raised will go towards helping charities and organisations providing front line services during lockdown, such as delivering prescriptions, food and care packages and mental health support for vulnerable people in our community.

Organisations that have already received grants include: the Archway Project; Community Transport for Calderdale; Focus4Hope; Disability Partnership Calderdale; Gathering Place at Ebeneezer Church, and Noah’s Ark.

Steve Duncan, chief executive of CFFC, said: “The individual stories of how these charities have touched people’s lives and restored their faith in humanity are coming in thick and fast.

“We just want to be able to support charities not only in the next few weeks, but also in the months following lock down as we think there will be many more vulnerable people who need help.”

The CFFC has also joined forces with Calderdale Council to create the Emergency Community Support Fund.

Local community organisations, charities and not-for-profit groups can apply for up to £1,000 each to support their response during lockdown.

Coun Scott Patient, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet member, said: “I am so impressed by the way Calderdale’s communities are rallying round to support each other through this national emergency.

“At a time when we have to be physically apart, the borough’s community spirit, kindness, resilience and sheer grit show that we can all get through this together.

“Thank you to all the community and voluntary groups who are playing such a huge part in the joint response to COVID-19.

“They are doing an amazing job and we want to support and recognise their efforts.”

Meanwhile, Coun Tim Swift, the Leader of Calderdale Council has written an open letter thanking local community groups for their efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Councillor Swift wrote: “To all the voluntary and community groups in Calderdale, I am writing to you on behalf of Calderdale Council to express our thanks for the amazing work you do. The service and support you are providing to those who are often the most vulnerable in our society is essential.

“The Covid-19 virus has impacted our lives to a scale not seen since the Second World War. Everyone has felt its impact across every level of society. Just as was the case then, ordinary people and their efforts are making the difference.

“Many in our community who are vulnerable have been unable to leave their homes due to the risk the virus posed to their health.

“These people have been kept safe and well through your efforts. You have supported and stood shoulder to shoulder with our partners in the NHS, Police, and Social Care to help mitigate the effects of this terrible virus.

“You have been a lifeline in your communities, looking after those struggling, and exemplifying the virtue that kindness is indeed the currency of Calderdale.

“Thank you. Everything you do makes a difference. You should feel immense pride in the work you do.”