Suffolk has received an incredible helping hand from its most famous son, singing superstar Ed Sheeran who has made a ‘founding gift’ to launch Suffolk Community Foundation’s Rebuilding Local Lives Appeal.
The Community Foundation’s new appeal, launched today, see’s BBC Radio Suffolk adding their support to The Suffolk Coronavirus Community partnership in Suffolk which already includes the National Emergencies Trust (NET), East Anglian Daily Times, Community Action Suffolk, Suffolk Association of Local Councils, Suffolk County Council, district and boroughs councils and all those involved in Suffolk’s Home But Not Alone initiative.
It is hoped that the Re-Building Local Lives Appeal will deliver more local giving to the Suffolk Coronavirus Community Fund, which has been created and delivered by the foundation. The founding gift from Ed Sheeran moves everything a big step towards ‘Team Suffolk’ breaking through the fund’s £2M fundraising target.
We were so excited and grateful to receive this support from Ed. He has been so generous to our county in so many ways. The timing of the announcement of his wonderful gift – as we enter the Suffolk Day Weekender – has provided a great reason for everyone to celebrate. Ed’s visibility as a supporter will really boost our ability to raise awareness of the fund and this new appeal and now we can inspire even more people to support Suffolk charities and community groups to get Suffolk lives back on track as we come out of lockdown.
Tim Holder, Suffolk Community Foundation’s Head of Public Affairs
The Suffolk Coronavirus Community Fund was created only three months ago and has already raised and distributed over £1.2M, supporting the work of over 230 Suffolk charities and community groups and reaching over 120,000 vulnerable people in the midst of the county’s fight against the Coronavirus Pandemic. Funds raised from the Rebuilding Local Lives Appeal will quickly reach Suffolk charities and community group via Community Foundation grants programmes.
Tim Holder continued: “We really hope that Ed’s gift will inspire many more Suffolk people to find out more about our work and give what they can afford to the appeal. Every penny is very much needed and appreciated. Suffolk charities, community groups and neighbourhood schemes are facing overwhelming levels of demand for the help and services they are providing to vulnerable people in Suffolk. It is impossible for all their voices to be heard at this time and giving a gift centrally to this appeal will enable those who want to pledge their financial support to really make a difference where help is needed most.’’
On Suffolk Day, traditionally the Community Foundation, The East Anglian Daily Times and BBC Radio Suffolk would be travelling the county to shine a light and celebrate the great work of Suffolk Charities. But this year with the launch of the Re-Building Local Lives Appeal, Suffolk people can offer a word of thanks and a donation to help our voluntary sector heroes proving that we really are ‘The Caring County’.
Donations can be made online via www.suffolkcf.org.uk, and by making a telephone donation via the appeal hotline on 01473 786 911 (weekday working hours).
Suffolk has responded to this crisis with compassion, stoicism and resilience. In spite of the sadness and difficulty, I am hearing so many stories of kindness, with communities coming together across the County to support the vulnerable and lonely.
Our great charities are working all hours to provide desperately needed aid to those in need. Now they need our help in this darkest hour. The marvellous news is that BBC Suffolk is joining Suffolk Community Foundation, The East Anglian Daily Times, Home Buy Not Alone partners and local media right across Suffolk to launch this central fundraising appeal for the benefit of all, no matter what challenge they are facing. I’m sure this will prove to be an inspiration to us all.
Clare Countess of Euston, Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk
Suffolk Day is always special for our county, but I’m so delighted that this year we are not only going to celebrate and thank the wonderful people of Suffolk for all the great things that they do, but also launch a new way to really help our most vulnerable at this difficult time. Today’s launch of Suffolk Community Foundation’s Rebuilding Local Lives Appeal has also been made all the more exciting and impactful because the founding donation has come from our biggest star of today. “Thank you so much to Ed Sheeran for his wonderful generosity and for all the awareness his gift will bring. All the best to everyone in Suffolk as we all step up to support the Rebuild Local Lives Appeal in any and every way we can. Thank you Suffolk!
George Vestey, Chairman of Suffolk Community Foundation:
