Crowdfunding campaign for Merseyside community volunteers launched

A crowdfunding campaign hoping to raise £1million to support community organisations fighting coronavirus in Liverpool has been launched.

The fund has been set up by the City Region's Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram, and the combined authority have already donated £200,000 to the pot.

£50,000 has also been donated by the National Emergencies Trust.

The money raised will go be awarded to community organisations providing vital services such as food banks, delivery of food and care packages to vulnerable people and telephone and online services reducing loneliness.

Speaking about the Fund, Mayor Rotheram said: "We are famous for our generosity, big hearts and community solidarity and more than ever before we have seen this in the response from thousands of individuals, community organisations, charities and social businesses.

"People are volunteering their help in so many ways. They are our community heroes and they urgently need our support."

He added: "I know many people and businesses are already suffering hardship and need our help.

"But if everyone who can afford to can give a little, we can make a huge impact for our communities as we come together to tackle this unprecedented crisis."

Details on how to donate are on the Combined Authority’s website.