Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has thanked the ECHO and its readers after a community fund set up to help charities and businesses in our region in the wake of the coronavirus crisis hit its £1m target.
LCR Cares, a fund set up by the metro mayor, the Community Foundation for Merseyside and the National Emergencies Trust, hit the target just a month after being opened.
Members of the public and a wide range of celebrities and businesses, from Jamie Carragher and Home Bargains, have donated to the fund, which reached the £1m milestone after a £20,000 donation from the Daneway Foundation.
Daneway was set up three years ago to support disadvantaged young people across the six boroughs of our region.
More than £600,000 of the money raised by LCR Cares has already been distributed to more than 150 voluntary and community organisations focused on responding to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Metro Mayor Rotheram said: "Round here, we're known for our kindness and solidarity, so when this crisis struck we were amongst the first in the country to set up this kind of fund.
"We’ve worked very hard with our partners at the Community Foundation for Merseyside and the National Emergencies Trust and I’m so pleased that we have already hit our £1m target.
"I’d particularly like to thank the ECHO for the fantastic support that they have given to LCR Cares.
"Even I have been blown away by the way local people have stepped up to help their communities through the Coronavirus crisis."
The money is going to organisations providing a wide range of support, including debt advice, mental health support, food provision and activities for those who are shielding or vulnerable.
Rae Brooke, chief executive of the Community Foundation for Merseyside, said hitting the £1m target had been "remarkable".
Ms Brooke said: "The generosity of so many, helping so many, at a time of great need.
"The resilience of every individual is being tested.
"Many people in our community are concerned about how bills will be met, can they afford to buy the necessary food for their family, whether they will remain safe if they are in an abusive relationship, will their mental wellbeing hold up if not supported, will they receive ongoing help if socially isolated."
"The LCR Cares Covid-19 Community Support Fund provides much needed compassion and practical help to the most vulnerable in our community and will continue to do so for as long as the generosity of those who can give, do give.
"We thank each and every person and organisation who has stepped up to the mark.”
Details on how to donate are on the Combined Authority’s website. Search “LCRCares” or visit www.lcrcares.co.uk
