The Coronavirus Response Fund, established by The Community Foundation for Surrey was set up in 2005 to enable local charities, situated across 11 Surrey boroughs quickly and efficiently during the pandemic. The foundation is part of a national network of 46 Community Foundations and includes money raised from the National Emergencies Trust Coronavirus Public Appeal.
The Community Foundation works with donors and voluntary groups by providing vital services for local people and disadvantaged individuals. Since being established it has awarded grants in excess of £12 million. To date, a total of £66,945 (across 14 grants) has been distributed to charities and voluntary groups within the borough of Tandridge.
The concept is to bring together local donors to provide positive solutions to the issues facing Surrey. They aim to do this by working closely together with organisations across the county to identify crucial areas where the support from our community will be most needed.
Coronavirus Aid Chelsham, Farleigh and Warlingham received £5,000 to support the voluntary group that came together amidst the crisis with their main aim being too offer subsidised food boxes to those in need and on low incomes, provide a delivery scheme for shopping and prescription collection for vulnerable people shielding or self-isolating and to offer welfare calls and visits to anxious and lonely residents within the community.
Caterham Foodbank received £5,000 to support the increase in demand for their foodbank service and The Orpheus Centre Trust received £5,000 to support their essential running costs to allow the charity to continue to provide their vital services to young disabled adults.
The Coronavirus Response Fund gives priority to voluntary organisations providing support to the most vulnerable and isolated, including older people and those who are self-isolating due to underlying conditions, people with disabilities, people with mental health needs, victims of crime such as domestic abuse, people experiencing financial hardship; and families with young children.
Pat Cannon, Surrey Ambassador for The Community Foundation and Former Tandridge District Councilor said “During my 12 years as Tandridge District Councillor, and particularly during my year as Chairman of the Council, I became aware of the many good causes and local organisations across the area. I am thrilled that the Community Foundation for Surrey has been able to support many of these groups from their Coronavirus Response Fund. I’m incredibly proud to be one of their Ambassadors.”
The foundation is urging Surrey residents to continue to donate to the Coronavirus Response Fund so those severely affected from the effects of the pandemic can continue to access much needed support. To date the Community Foundation has been able to award emergency funding to 168 community groups across Surrey.
Laura Thurlow, Chief Executive of The Community Foundation for Surrey explained “With the generosity of our community, our Coronavirus Response Fund has helped hundreds of voluntary groups across Surrey to quickly navigate the sudden challenges of lockdown. Now, as we look ahead, it’s important to anticipate what our community groups will need going forwards. The need is still now, and the issues we have identified call for us to come together to meet the imminent surge in demand. We must ensure services continue to be delivered to our most vulnerable people. This is a crisis that continues to require solutions and we’re urging Surrey residents to stay involved and donate.”
If you are able to support the Coronavirus Response Fund, please contact the Foundation on 01483 478092 or visit cfsurrey.org.uk/surreycoronavirusresponsefund/
