Saving on your commute right now? Why not donate to the Coronavirus Community Fund & help local charities?

• Those saving money on their commute are being asked to help support the most vulnerable by making a donation, no matter how small, donate here
• This appeal, led by Two Ridings Community Foundation, will support local community efforts to help keep people safe, fed, well and connected during Coronavirus lockdown;
• In just three weeks since the appeal launched it has raised £500,000 in new donations and given away nearly £106,000 to 59 local organisations in North and East Yorkshire to support vulnerable residents as part of efforts during the COVID-19 outbreak; but
• More donations are needed as each week the Foundation is receiving requests for funds from the hundreds of local charities across North and East Yorkshire

Local charities helping the most vulnerable in North and East Yorkshire during this global crisis are being supported through grant-giving by Two Ridings Community Foundation. While the Foundation’s Coronavirus Community Fund total is approaching £1million, £500,000 of which is new donations raised over the past month, more is needed and the Foundation is making a plea to anyone who can to help by donating to the appeal.

Every week it receives new requests for funds from local charities unable to simply furlough staff and close its doors as more and more vulnerable people need assistance with accessing food, medicines, staying safe and keeping connected. To apply visit here

While the response of community organisations has been incredible, many vulnerable residents are still at risk, as without being able to rely on face-to-face fundraising or events, charities are facing unprecedented demands on their already stretched funding.

Over the past three weeks, 59 local organisations have been awarded grants totalling nearly £106,000 by Two Ridings Community Foundation. The stories of hardship these organisations share is evidence of these challenging times, with people not having food to eat, safe places to stay or access to basic resources.

Two Ridings Community Foundation is appealing for donations no matter how small – it could even be the cost of a daily bus or train fare – to help the region’s most vulnerable residents. Anyone who is saving money on commuting costs or cancelled night outs, is still getting paid or simply has some extra money is being urged to lend a hand and make a much needed donation.

The number of grants awarded by the locally-based Foundation in the last three weeks is equivalent to what it would normally achieve in four months. Its small team of staff are working around the clock to ensure funds get to those organisations that can make the biggest impact to quickly support the most vulnerable residents living in North and East Yorkshire, ensuring the donations are spent effectively.

From supporting the elderly and people with disabilities to protecting vulnerable people from scammers, the latest organisations to receive a grant include:

● Age Concern Craven – supporting older people;
● Bundles of Joy – providing maternity support in Hull and East Yorkshire;
● Kingfisher Café in Bridlington – supporting those who are homeless with food;
● Kyra Women’s Project in York – providing counselling and support services to victims of domestic violence;
● Revival North Yorkshire – helping elderly and vulnerable residents in rural locations;
● Second Thoughts in East Yorkshire – providing mental health support services; and
● Vulcan Boxing Club in Hull – supporting young people at risk of food poverty.

Jan Garrill, Chief Executive of Two Ridings Community Foundation, said: “If you’re in a position to make a donation, no matter how small, we urgently need your support. With fundraising events now impossible for charities, more funding is desperately needed to help organisations across East and North Yorkshire who are doing invaluable work to support our region’s most vulnerable people.

“We appreciate that many people are struggling financially during this crisis. But if you’re in a position where you’re perhaps saving money by not commuting to work, or saving on other costs like events and night outs being cancelled, please spare a thought and any spare money for the local organisations striving to help the most vulnerable right now on your doorstep, we can assure you we will make sure it gets to where it is most needed in our communities.

“Our role is to make sure all generously donated public funds to support those in need get to where they are most needed in our community, as quickly as possible. We understand the needs of those living in our communities and are able to work with partners to quickly provide support.

“This is an incredibly challenging time for everyone, even more so for many of our residents. North and East Yorkshire are not only large geographically, but also demographically. From large cities like York and Hull to some of the most rural areas, with many residents still suffering the devastating impact of flooding as well as self-isolation and health concerns.

“Many of the groups we’ve allocated grants to have already seen a rapid increase in demand for their services. From supporting young people at risk of food poverty due to the closure of schools to supporting older people self-isolating, the homeless, new mothers and victims of domestic violence, this crisis is affecting people of all ages across our communities.

“If you’re saving money on commuting costs or cancelled night outs, if you’re still getting paid or simply have extra money you’re able to give, please give what you can, even the cost of your daily bus or train fare can make a real difference to the region’s most vulnerable residents.”

The work of the charitable and voluntary sector not only helps support the ongoing needs of vulnerable people ensuring their health and wellbeing is maintained, it relieves pressure on local statutory services, particularly emergency or health and social care provision.

If you can make a donation and would like to give directly to local organisations, you can do so via the Two Ridings Coronavirus Community Fund (https://www.tworidingscf.org.uk/coronavirus-community-fund/)

You can also donate via The National Emergencies Trust