Family owned food and drink retailer, Booths, has pledged £10,000 to support Cumbria Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund, which hopes to raise £3 million to help vulnerable people in Cumbria.
Cumbria has recorded 1,954 cases and 392 deaths from Coronavirus and the shutdown of tourism and hospitality businesses has led to mounting uncertainty in the county’s economy.
Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation said, “Coronavirus has created a number of urgent needs in the county. Over the last few weeks, we have provided much needed food and medicine to isolated elderly and vulnerable people sheltering in their homes. We have helped families in poverty and those in temporary accommodation, women affected by domestic violence, and supported isolated and vulnerable young people.”
“As the situation develops, so do the needs. Many people are being forced to look for help in areas that they may have thought they’d never need and local citizens advice have seen an unprecedented demand for their services, particularly on the issues of unemployment, paying bills, preventing eviction and getting food. It is becoming ever clearer that the organisations we support will be facing issues for some months to come.”
Edwin Booth, Chairman of Booths said, “Booths operates at the very heart of local communities and we must help get Cumbria to cope and get back on its feet after the devastation of this virus. The consequences of the Coronavirus will be far reaching, complicated and touch many lives. Booths are proud to support the vital work of the Cumbria Community Foundation as they assist families and communities in great need.”
