All aboard for charity

Berkshire Community Foundation (BCF) is working hard to ensure charitable organisations get support, just like Wokingham Me2 Club

Berkshire is considered affluent, however there are areas of deprivation and Berkshire Community Foundation (BCF) is working hard to ensure nobody is left behind.

The funding is a lifeline to grassroots charitable organisations helping them to tackle need across the county. BCF supported 133 groups in 2017-2018 promoting better mental health and alleviating poverty and loneliness.

One of the groups, Wokingham based Me2 Club, received £5,000. The club supports children with additional needs and disabilities at a wide range of mainstream leisure activities. The beneficiaries struggle to access these activities because of their needs, resulting in social isolation.

Me2 Club trains and supports volunteers before they are carefully matched with a young person enabling them to participate. Liz McDaniel, Me2 Club’s Fundraising and Development Officer said: “Like all small charities, fundraising remains a priority, we were so excited that BCF supported us. This donation will allow even more children to take part in an activity! As a parent said to me, Me2 Club is “an amazing organisation that provides so much” to the child and family.”

Gerry Lejeune, Chief Executive of BCF said “Granting over £1,000,000 was a huge team effort and we’re delighted to have supported so many small charities. There’s a great need in Berkshire. This money will help many, so that they can continue their vital work.”