Together, we have done it!
Bristol Live’s Arms Around Bristol campaign, launched to raise £10,000 to help voluntary and charitable organisations across our area support those in need during the coronavirus pandemic, has hit its target - in a matter of weeks.
The campaign, run as part of the Quartet Community Foundation’s Coronavirus 2020 Response Fund, launched earlier this month.
The aim of our appeal was to raise £10,000 to help and support those organisations right across the Bristol area struggling to cope financially during the crisis.
So far, the Quartet Foundation’s Coronavirus 2020 Response Fund has raised a staggering £902,440.
A total of £470,997 has already been handed out to 95 small, local organisations across the wider Bristol area –from foodbanks to projects supporting elderly and homeless people – to ensure services continue during the pandemic.
Each week Bristol Live has been reporting on the different organisations the funding has already helped.
Groups to have benefited so far have included Paul’s Place, Wellspring Counselling and the advice service Talking Money.
FareShare South West has also been given cash to help it upscale its services distributing the food to the needy.
Quartet Community Foundation chief executive Sue Turner said: “It’s amazing to have so much support from Bristol Live readers for the Arms Around Bristol appeal.
“Thanks to hundreds of generous donations the appeal has now raised over £10,000 to help our small local causes and the people that rely on them through the pandemic.
“The work of the fundraisers, some running and bouncing to raise money, the generous gifts and messages of support, the commitment of the groups to help our most disadvantaged people.
“All these heart-warming stories have buoyed our spirits as the news about coronavirus has worsened.
“The small, local causes your donations are helping may not always make the headlines but over the last month it’s been clearer than ever that when the chips are down, they’re often the ones around to help.
“Whether it’s taking meals to the homeless, reaching out to isolated older people, helping low income families avoid eviction or listening to anxious teens, the volunteers and staff of our local causes are going the extra mile in this time of crisis.
“They don’t shout about what they do often enough but their commitment and action deserves recognition, so your support is much appreciated.
"Thank you.”
Demand however for funding remains high with the foundation still receiving more than 30 applications a week from organisations in need of financially support as they struggle to meet the demand for their services as the pandemic continues.
As a result the Arms Around Bristol Just Giving page will remain open for donations.
The Quartet Community Foundation is also continuing to raise funds to help those who need support as a result of the pandemic – now and in the future.
Bristol Live editor Mike Norton has thanked those who have supported the appeal.
He said: "The generosity of Bristolians never fails to impress me.
“I want to thank everyone who has donated to these amazing causes, to help groups and individuals on the frontline of the fight against Covid-19 - particularly at a time when they have less money and there are many other calls on their generosity.
“Thank you."
Over the last 33 years the Quartet Community Foundation has awarded more than £50 million to local causes.
Last year alone it awarded more than 800 grants totalling more than £3.5million.
To make a donation to the Arms Around Bristol and keep helping those in need during these unprecedented times click here.
To find out more about the Quartet Foundation Coronavirus 2020 Response Fund click here.
