THE people of St Helens are being asked to share the burden and help fund vital supplies for the most vulnerable during the coronavirus crisis.
St Helens Council and Torus Foundation have launched a crowdfunding appeal in a bid to raise £25,000.
Residents, businesses and organisations across the borough are now being asked to make donations to support the St Helens Together campaign, which was set up towards the end of March to ensure vulnerable residents get the help they need during the coronavirus pandemic.
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The money will be used to support the community hub, which has been established by the council with the help of volunteers and the army and is the heart of the operation to support the most vulnerable in St Helens.
Donations will help fund vital supplies for those who have been asked by the government to stay at home for up to three months and other vulnerable people who have been identified.
To kick off the fundraising campaign, St Helens Council has donated £25,000, which has been match-funded by Torus Foundation – the charitable arm of the council’s social housing partner, Torus.
The generous folk of St Helens have already donated hundreds of pounds, while Spacehive – the website – hosting the campaign, has pledged £4,500.
St Helens Labour has also donated £500 and pledged to donate £500 per month until the goal is reached.
Cllr David Baines, St Helens Council leader, said: “We know the people of our borough are among the most selfless and generous around when it comes to looking after our own – and I’ve been absolutely blown away by some amazing stories of good deeds in our communities.
“If anyone is able to give to our crowdfund – no matter how big or small a contribution – you’re helping to ensure essential food and supplies are topped up at our community hub, and that we can continue our community response.
“Every pound matters and can go a long way. We will get through this current situation with kindness and compassion for each other.
“We will get through this together.”
Kate Shone, Torus Foundation managing director, added: “As a strategic partner for the council and local communities, we are absolutely behind St Helens Together.
“Our mission ‘for stronger communities’ has never felt more relevant and I would encourage everyone who can to join in and help us make sure the most vulnerable people get the support they need at this time of crisis.”
Chris Gourlay, founder and CEO of Spacehive, said the current situation is placing “huge strain on communities across the UK”.
“St Helens Together will enable local people and organisations to pull together to support communities in St Helens Borough through the coronavirus crisis,” he said.
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“As a country we have the ideas, resources and community spirit to make things better both during the lockdown and afterwards, when the spaces that bring us together will be more important than ever.”
Donations can be as little as £2 and can be made online by clicking here.
Anyone in need of help through the St Helens Together campaign can call 01744 676767 to find out more on what support is available.
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