DORSET Community Foundation is celebrating its six-week response to the launch of their Dorset Coronavirus Community Fund, having awarded £300,000 to over 100 groups in the current crisis.

The charitable foundation which helps raise funds for worthy causes has made the funding available to projects right across Dorset, within towns, villages and both urban and rural communities.

The Foundation has also worked closely with the National Emergencies Trust, local and regional charitable trusts, and generous individuals to raise £500,000.

Foundation Director Grant Robson said: “I am overwhelmed by people's generosity which has enabled us to play a significance part in Dorset's response to the crisis.

“We have made grants to foodbanks, community transport, older people's groups, health and disability support, community volunteers, food deliveries, homelessness, mental health and family well-being, to name a few.

“We are by no means finished, with the help of local companies, charitable trusts and individuals we will keep making grants. There is a long and difficult road ahead and we need to pull together and help the most vulnerable during these difficult times.”

One of the funded projects is Portland Foodbank, who received a grant of £5,000 to support food purchases and fuel costs for deliveries being made by volunteers.

The project has seen the number of people who need their help double since the lockdown restrictions were put in place.

Cllr Kate Wheller said: “Portland Foodbank has always been a much used and appreciated facility. Whilst being a wonderful place to live Portland has very high percentage of elderly people on basic pensions and low waged young families.

“At the outset of the Coronavirus crisis demand more than doubled and quickly outstripped our donations. We have been immensely grateful to Dorset Community Foundation for its grant.

“Lockdown has resulted in a reduction of food donations and we have been spending £1000 each week to cater for essential provisions.”