The Community Link Foundation thanked its supporters and outlined its ambitions for the year ahead as the charity held its Annual Sponsors’ Lunch at The Office in Southport.
The Community Link Foundation is a life-changing local charity with a difference, set up by David Barron and run by local trustees and volunteers.
It assists anyone in Southport and the surrounding areas who need financial support in a variety of ways.
Everyone involved has a passion for supporting people and organisations in our community so we can be proud of where we live.
CLF Trustees Bev Howard, Enda Rylands and Mark Cunningham gave Certificates of Appreciation to several supporters including Napthens Solicitors, Adaptive Comms, Birkdale Insurance, Britannia IT, Southport AFC, BOSS Consulting, Anthony James Estate Agents, Stubbs Parkin Chartered Accountants, and Stumps Away UK.
Speaking at the event, Community Link Foundation Chair Enda Rylands said:
“It’s a privilege to reflect on the past year of the Community Link Foundation and to share a little bit about our vision for the future.
“First and foremost let me extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. Your generosity through sponsorship, donations and volunteering, has enabled us to continue to make a positive difference in Southport and the surrounding communities.
“Without your support, many of the projects that we deliver just wouldn’t be possible.
“Over the past year, we’ve been able to provide grants and assistance to families and individuals and community groups across Southport, Formby, Ormskirk, Ainsdale, Burscough,. Hesketh Bank, Rufford and Banks.,
“These grants have ranged from helping parents with ill children, to supporting sports teams with equipment, and funding community groups so they can continue their good work locally.
“These are not headline grabbing campaigns nationally.
“These are just quiet, local interventions that change the lives of people in our community.”
Community Link Foundation Trustee Bev Howard said:
“When grant applications come in, the main thing for us that’s really important, is that we have to be certain that the results of our donation to an individual or individuals is going to have a life-changing impact, and that’s what we base our grant applications on.
“First of all, I wanted to tell you about Southport Learning Trust. We helped them take some children who have some emotional challenges and need to get away to take them on a break to Shropshire to do some fun activities. We really enjoyed supporting them.
“We also supported another local organisation, the Formby Lunch Club. Every year they put on a festive day for elderly people who are usually on their own.
“They can’t do that without donations and volunteers. The Community Link Foundation provided a donation towards the meal and the festive activities for those people who would normally be on their own at Christmas.”
Bev then introduced Kirsty, the mum of a four-year-old local boy, Luke, who was in desperate need of a specialist buggy.
The subsequent donation from the Community Link Foundation has given Luke the comfort and support he needs to enjoy life outside his home, to go on school trips, and make memories with his brothers.
Speaking at the lunch, Kirsty said:
“Luke has a rare genetic condition which affects his feet and his ability to walk. He has other disabilities along with it.
“We were turned down for a wheelchair by the NHS and we need something to help transfer him from the car to the park, to the shops, and generally going out. Going to places with him was a nightmare without a wheelchair.
“I do two school runs in the morning and two in the afternoon and need to transport him in and out of the car.
“The Community Link Foundation helped us to get the specialist buggy that we needed.
“Without it, we’d be unable to go anywhere. I’d have to carry Luke, which just isn’t practical or safe.
“The issue with disability and anything you want to buy, is that prices shoot through the roof. The price for the pram was not cheap and we couldn’t have done this without the support of the Community Link Foundation.”
There are lots of ways of getting involved with the Community Link Foundation this year. They are currently running a Christmas Raffle with some superb prizes from local businesses, and also run a Community Link Foundation Lottery.
Check out their website: Community Link Foundation – Making a positive difference! or follow their social media pages for more details.
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