Wakefield charity to raised £500,000 for frontline charity workers helping district through lockdown

The Community Foundation Wakefield District launched the #WakefieldCares earlier this month, in an effort to provide support for the community groups taking care of our communities.

Backed by the Express, the campaign will provide support for thousands of people through lifeline services including food banks and community groups.

But we need your help to show support for those taking care of our communities - by reaching a fundraising goal of £100,000.

The campaign has also been backed by businessman Sir Rodney Walker, who said: "I have been massively impressed at the number of volunteers stepping up to deliver food to people's doorsteps that they have never even met before.

"We have come together in the past to enjoy the great sport and culture that our district has to offer. Now is the time to come together to support each other by helping #WakefieldCares".

Jon Ingham, of the Community Foundation, said: “We can all do our bit as we are stronger together and every donation matters, no matter how small. You may wish to donate the cost of your daily commute or be sponsored to do a performance on line to entertain your friends and family.

“This is an enormous effort on behalf of the whole community. We can achieve more together to bring individuals, families and local business through this current health crisis. Thank you for supporting your local community.”

A total of £400,000 has already been pledged by a series of local bodies, including WDH and Wakefield Council, to match public donations, meaning each £1 donated will generate £5 of support for the frontline charities.

Helen Thackray, volunteer coordinator at the Lightwaves Community Hub, is one of many to have benefited from the Foundation’s support.

She said: “Last week we appealed for volunteers to help Lightwaves Community Hub support local people in this crisis. We now have 50 new volunteers recruited through the volunteerwakefield.org website, the response has been amazing and shows that Wakefield people care.

“The aim is to raise half a million pounds which will give direct help to boost community resources like our 15 local food banks, 15 community hubs, and provide door to door deliveries of vital support for vulnerable families and elderly people.

“With your help the #WakefieldCares Fund will provide the money to make a real difference so that we can get the help to where its most needed. Please be generous.”

If you’ve got a penny - or a pound - to spare, please consider donating today.

Bishop of Wakefield Tony Robinson thanked the public for their support.

He said: “We have all been massively encouraged by the fantastic number of people already offering to help others in the Wakefield District during the Coronavirus outbreak.

“People have shown incredible acts of community spirit as good neighbours in their own streets, colleagues helping colleagues and businesses reaching out to their localities.

“All of this has demonstrated that we can achieve more together.”

Visit the #WakefieldCares donation page at justgiving.com/campaign/Wakefieldcares.

Alternatively, cheques can be sent to PO Box 695, 13 Upper York Street, Wakefield, WF1 9NW, payable to Community Foundation for Wakefield District.

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