A CHARITY in the region is hoping to raise £250,000 to help local organisations at risk as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

As the Covid-19 pandemic worsen and the country now in lockdown, local groups are under serious pressure to help those worst affected.

These are groups which make a difference to the most vulnerable people in communities and now need help to survive.

County Durham Community Foundation is pledging £55,000 to help front line groups and charities as the virus spreads and is hoping to raise £250,000.

Chief Executive Michelle Cooper said: “The situation is becoming more serious as each hour passes, and we cannot afford to wait around.

“We are devoting all of our time and energy into supporting our local grassroots groups, which in turn will bolster our communities.

“Illness, isolation, loneliness and poverty are very real in County Durham and Darlington right now, and exasperated by the spread of Covid-19: but if we work together we can provide support to the life-changing local community services that will lessen the blow.”

County Durham Community Foundation has a long history of supporting grassroots community groups that do vital work, such as food banks, community cafes, village halls, meals on wheels and so much more.

The people they support will be some of the worst affected by Coronavirus, those aged 65 and over, those with underlying medical conditions and those living in food poverty who suffer as others panic buy.

Ms Cooper said: “We have been talking to our local groups as much as possible this week and they are experiencing huge demand for their services, with many already at capacity.

“Most rely on volunteers who may become ill or be forced to self-isolate.

“At the same time, fundraising activities are on hold while upkeep costs continue relentlessly.

“We are asking for donations to build a fund for these groups as they keep their life-saving work going.

“This fund will be nimble and easy to access so that we can get money to these groups quickly, without delay.

“The money will go to help those most at risk.”

The foundation has said: £5 could buy a hot dinner for an older person self-isolating; £10 could buy basic food items for a food bank as people panic buy items; £20 could buy fuel to help a volunteer deliver meals on wheels; £50 could support village halls to call elderly people in self-isolation; and £100 could keep the lights on for a community group.

Ms Cooper said: “We are keeping in touch with our groups and as the need changes or grows, we’ll amend this page to reflect that.

“We are trusted in the community and have an outstanding reputation for making grants quickly and efficiently

“We are already connected to the groups that are best placed to support our communities through the pandemic

“We are open, honest and transparent. When you donate to this fund, you will know for certain where the money is going.”

To donate visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/durhamcovid or email info@cdcf.org.uk