Awards of 16 grants to families in the Keswick area facing financial difficulties have been made through the Covid-19 Emergency Fund launched by the town’s Lions and Rotary clubs at the end of last month.
The two clubs are working together to offer emergency grants of up to £100 to support individuals and families in the CA12 area who are in financial difficulty due to the coronavirus pandemic, while also signposting those in need towards other forms of support.
People who want to apply to the emergency fund can:
- Fill in a simple online form
- Email [email protected]
- Write a letter with a short explanation of their current circumstances C/O Graham Thompson, 6A Briar Rigg, Keswick, CA12 4NW
Each application will be reviewed in confidence by one member of Keswick Lions and one member of Keswick Rotary only.
Diane Cannon, president of Keswick Lions, said: “When we agreed to set up the fund, we weren’t sure how much demand there would be in Keswick, but from the applications we’ve had, we can see there is a definite need building up. The current situation is causing real economic hardship and we are pleased that we can do something to support people in our community during this difficult time. Having launched the fund less than two weeks ago, we now need to turn our efforts to fundraising so that we can continue to support those families in need at this time.”
Keswick Lions normally raises a substantial amount of money through the annual beer festival, as well as other activities in the community. This year the beer festival, which would have taken place this weekend, has been cancelled, with other fundraising activities on hold. Keswick Rotary Club also relies on events for raising funds. Following the floods in December 2015, it was possible to do street collections to raise funds, but that has not been possible due to the Covid-19 restrictions.
So, Keswick Lions and Rotary are working together to make a direct ask of the local community to support others who are facing financial difficulties. Donations to the Emergency Fund can be made in the following ways:
- By cheque, made out to Keswick Lions and sent C/O Graham Thompson, 6A Briar Rigg, Keswick, CA12 4NW.
- By bacs payment – for details email [email protected]
- Via JustGiving donation page
Rotarian Graham Thompson said: “The reasons for people needing to access this fund have been varied, but in all cases the Covid-19 pandemic has caused financial difficulties. We are pleased to be able to do something that is helping them through this difficult time. People have told us that the grant has been a lifeline and that they don’t need to worry where the next meal is coming from.”