St Helens Council and Torus Foundation have launched a crowdfunding appeal in a bid to raise £25,000 towards the St Helens Together campaign.
The council is donating £25,000 and Torus Foundation – the charitable arm of the council’s social housing partner, Torus – is contributing a further £25,000.
Residents, businesses and organisations across the borough are being encouraged to match-fund to support the St Helens Together cause which was set up towards the end of March to ensure vulnerable residents get the help they need during the coronavirus pandemic.
St Helens Council Leader, David Baines, 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.”
Torus Foundation Managing Director, Kate Shone, 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.”
The crowdfunding appeal has been set up through Spacehive, created to make it easy for people to improve their local area.
Chris Gourlay, Founder & CEO of Spacehive said: “We find ourselves in an extraordinary situation – one which 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.
“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 visiting https://www.spacehive.com/st-helens-together
Anyone in need of help through the St Helens Together campaign can call 01744 676767 to find out more on what support is available.
