TIME is running out to help save £52,000 destined for Hampshire charities from disappearing into Chancellor Alistair Darling’s pocket.
Now a leading charity has pleaded with the people of Hampshire to rally round in the next 14 days or it kisses goodbye to the cash.
Under a Westminster scheme, every pound raised by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF) is matched by the Government.
The charity, which helps scores of community groups, sports clubs and people living in poverty, had a target to raise £295,000 this year but so far it has only managed £243,000.
If it doesn’t raise the remaining £52,000 before the end of the month then the equivalent amount promised by the Treasury will be lost.
And that means Hampshire charities missing out on up to £104,000 of much-needed handouts.
In Southampton alone, the trust needs to raise £26,000 in just 14 days.
The charity’s chief executive officer Toni Shaw said: “We need the support of the public and businesses across the county behind us – if ‘many’ can give in a small way then together we can all contribute to building a significant fund for all our communities.
“We all know the local football coach who gives up their time freely to help our children develop their football and team building skills, or the good Samaritan who ferries people to and from their GP appointments, or the friendly neighbour who pops in for tea and a chat with their housebound neighbour.
“There are endless examples of people helping in our communities whose groups are often in need of financial support.
“I urge individuals and businesses who want to put something back into their local community to consider using this scheme.
“We only need 1,500 people to give us £20 and we can claim our full match for Southampton. I’ll put in the first £20.
“There has never been a better way to give – thanks to the additional funding that the Government has made available for this Grassroots Initiative.”
More details
To support the Hampshire/ Southampton Endowment Challenge call 01256 776101. You can also donate on line. To find out how log on to thebiggive.org.uk/hiwcf
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