The Wokingham Volunteer Centre, based in Wokingham’s Charity & Community Hub off Denmark Street, has launched its brand-new hardship fund, thanks to a £1,500 donation from local housebuilder David Wilson Homes, who is building its Ashridge Grange development nearby. The donation will be pivotal in helping to fund additional support for the centre’s most vulnerable clients, including those who are elderly and disabled.
As Wokingham Volunteer Centre approaches its 50th anniversary, the charity continues to serve the community by placing volunteers in a wide range of roles within the community. David Wilson Southern Counties donation will help to get the initiative off the ground, ensuring its cost base remains as low as possible by helping to cover operating costs and volunteers’ expenses. The fund, which launched on 1st April, will provide financial assistance to local people being supported by the Centre’s gardening and community transport projects but who can’t afford the full cost of the service.
The donation was made as part of the housebuilder’s Community Fund initiative, funded by the Barratt Foundation, which supports a local organisation each month with a donation, celebrating their efforts in the local area.
Kimberley Benson, Sales and Marketing Director for David Wilson Southern Counties, says: “The Wokingham Volunteer Centre has been at the heart of the community for close to five decades, and its efforts to look after some of the most vulnerable people in the area are nothing short of amazing. The hardship fund will be vital, supporting those in greatest need.”
The Wokingham Volunteer Centre Chief Officer Nick Fellows explains that the cost-of-living crisis is mounting huge pressure on its elderly, vulnerable and disabled clients. “We are very fortunate to have the support of our amazing volunteers who give up so much of their time to make life a little easier for those struggling with aspects of their health, wellbeing and finances. It’s an incredibly tough time for many, with skyrocketing bills and food prices so we wanted to be able to assist further where possible. David Wilson Southern Counties has made a much-needed contribution to get the hardship fund started, which will help lift a weight off people’s shoulders.”
If you are interested in becoming a Wokingham Volunteer Centre or local charity volunteer, please visit www.wokinghamvolunteercentre.org.uk for more details of how to get involved.
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