Last year saw inflation rates rise to record highs. And now experts fear the current cost of living crisis is likely to last until the second half of next year, but inflation levels may not return to previous norms until 2024.
One Community Foundation has been rallying those who are in a position to help and distributing donations to local community projects, who in turn can deliver emergency help to those most effected in Kirklees.
As we know the crisis is hitting those in work as well as those out of work, with the support of the West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, Kirklees Council and local businesses like independent payments experts, acceptcards® and individual supporters who want to help we (One Community have been able to distribute over £250,000 to our community in December. This month we will distribute a further £150,000 to community projects, working with vulnerable individuals, families, and pensioners.
But we need more help, that’s why we are offering to double all donations made to our cost-of-living crisis fund. For every pound donated we will double it. If you donate as an individual we can also claim gift aid which will add at least an extra 25p for every £1 you give.
A donation of £100 becomes worth £225 for a local community project supporting people with basics such as food, utilities, and advice, etc.
We are also supporting a number of Warm Spaces (sometimes referred to as warm banks). Warm spaces include community centres and halls, cafes, and community hubs. At these warm spaces you can access:
A warm environment
Friendly and helpful staff
Support and advice with money, bills, mental health support and food.
Richard Bradley, Founder and CEO of acceptcards® said; “I live in Kirklees and West Yorkshire has always been our home, our first offices were in Halifax before moving to Elland in 2012. The cost of living crisis is going to affect everyone in one way or another, but we all know it will hit the vulnerable the hardest. As an independent business, we’ve had to prepare for the winter and beyond and it was during these meetings we knew we need to act to help our community.”
He continued; “We are proud to be able to make a donation of £5,000 to the One Community Foundation which will match our donation, so it’s doubled to £10,000 providing vital support to some of the most vulnerable in our communities. It was really important for us to choose an organisation that makes a real difference in the lives of the people they support, with a successful track record of providing funds to frontline charities gave us the confidence we needed to know our donation would do good in our community.
I know we have just got a new Prime Minister, and lots are waiting to hear what Rishi Sunak will say and do, but I’m calling on businesses in The Holme Valley, Colne Valley, Dearne Valley, Denby Dale, Spen Valley and Huddersfield who are in a position to help please don’t to wait and please join us by stepping in to make a real difference to lives in our towns and villages.”Emma Woods- Bolger CEO of One Community said, “As a charity and the community foundation for Kirklees we are deeply concerned about the rising cost of living and what it means for our most vulnerable and marginalised communities. However, helping your community can be daunting. You don’t know where to start, who to help, or how your donation is used.
Emma continued “With the generosity of kind-hearted local businesses like acceptcards we’re here to change that. One Community, is a specialist team of local experts who put donations to work through a growing network of over 2,500 Kirklees-based charities and community organisations.
Just like Richard, we’re proudly independent with a simple mission to do good. Using our community connections to make sure every donation makes the most impact. So, if you or your business would like to join acceptcards in making a difference locally we can help”.
One Community is offering match funding to any business wanting to support the most vulnerable in Kirklees. Contact Emma for more information Emma@one-communiy.org.uk