Anonymous Benefactor Donates £20,000

An anonymous benefactor has come forward to donate a staggering £20,000 to Age UK West Cumbria.

Last week we received £10,000 from Cumbria Community Foundation through the Cumbria COVID-19 Response Fund. After hearing about the grant and the services Age UK West Cumbria are providing in response to COVID-19, the benefactor approached Cumbria Community Foundation to offer vital financial support to our charity.

The anonymous donor is said to understand the challenges charitable organisations like Age UK West Cumbria are facing in the current climate, including the increased demand for services at a time when resources are scarce.

 “We were speechless when we heard about the donation. Whoever you are, please know that everyone at Age UK West Cumbria is incredibly grateful. Your donation will enable us to support a huge number of older people across West Cumbria, thank you” – Jane Mindar (Deputy CEO)

Last month we were forced to temporarily suspend all of our face-to-face activity. This included our Clubs & Groups, Day Activities, Footcare and Handyperson services, along with our five charity shops. As a result, a large proportion of our staff were furloughed and we lost 90% of our income overnight.

However, determined to be there for older people at a time when they need it most – we set up two new Helplines, a Food Parcel Delivery and Check-In service to provide vital support to older people during the coronavirus outbreak. These services are running alongside our existing Information & Advice and Befriending services, which are now taking place over the phone. We have also teamed up with Cumbria CVS, West Cumbria Carers and the Alzheimer’s Society in West Cumbria to provide Home from Hospital support.

 “This generous donation will help our charity continue to provide vital support to older people during the coronavirus outbreak. The trustees, staff and volunteers would like to publically thank the anonymous donor for this enormous display of kindness and generosity.” – Anne Prowse (Chair of Trustees)

The £20,000 donation has now been added to our emergency appeal, an online fundraiser created to help support our charity during this time of financial uncertainty.

If you would like more information about any of our services, please contact:

01900 844670