COUNTY charities have been expressing their gratitude to the City of Hereford Rotary Club after receiving hand-outs from the club’s Covid-19 Mutual Aid Fund.
The fund was set up in conjunction with Herefordshire Voluntary Organisations Support Service (hvoss) to help community groups and charities who are doing amazing work during the pandemic.
So far, six organisations have benefited with a further three in line.
“Thank you Hereford City Rotary Club,” said Kay Hurlidge, chief officer for Age UK Hereford & Localities.
“With your help we are able to continue supporting older people in Hereford.
“We are doing shopping, collecting prescriptions and making weekly befriending phone calls.
“These are worrying times for older people as their normal support networks have broken down and often they feel isolated.
“We will continue to do all we can to provide support, reassurance and practical help to those in need and put a smile on their faces.”
“It was wonderful to receive this grant from the Hereford City Rotary Club,” said Katie Eastaugh of The Cart Shed.
“It has enabled The Cart Shed to purchase additional materials so we can send out activity packs to participants ensuring we continue to support those experiencing poor mental health, particularly at this very difficult time.
“Another great example of Herefordshire people helping each other.”
“Like all charities, we have faced significant challenges during this time of crisis including the loss of much of our fundraising income to support our community initiatives,” said David Harding of Herefordshire Mind.
“Despite this, we continue to work around the clock to support around 100 people each week who are experiencing emotional distress, including our Safe Haven which is open for calls and emails.
“A huge thank you to Hereford City Rotary Club as well as our other supporters who assist us in helping some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”
“When our vibrant Big Skill Coffee Crafts and Chat group at Saxon Hall stopped meeting in person in March 2020, we wanted to find a way to continue to support our community with accessible craft sessions during the lockdown” said Fiona Mac from the Big Skill.
“With assistance from Hereford City Rotary, our local Craft Workers were supported to take their crafting workshops online, successfully launching our Big Skill Craft Tent at The Greatest Online Agricultural Show on Saturday, May 2.”
The organisations which have so far benefited from the scheme are Cart Shed, Age UK, Ethos, Herefordshire Mind, Helping Hereford through Covid 19 and Big Skill.
The fund is still open for donations and anyone who would like to contribute should visit http://paypal.com/gb/fundraiser/charity/3255653
CAPTION: The Cart Shed have been sending out activity packs to their members.
