Dorset charity receives donation to keep services going
£6,000 is being donated to Julia's House Children's Hospice charity by the NFU Mutual Wessex
Last updated 8th May 2021
The NFU Mutual Wessex is financially supporting two local charities by donating part of their £2million 'Agency Giving Fun'.
Salisbury Food Bank and Julia's House Children's Hospice, based in Wiltshire and Dorset. have been chosen to receive £6,400 each.
The £2 million fund was announced in February and its aim is to help local frontline charities out of the pandemic.
It follows £1million of support delivered by NFU Mutual's Agency Giving Fund in 2020, which helped charities across many sectors to keep their life-changing services going throughout the pandemic.
Over 300 NFU Mutual regional offices nominated their chosen to ensure local charities received a share of the fund.
The funds will be distributed over 16 weeks from the end of February, offering support as lockdown measures continue to impact our communities.
John Pitt-Brooke, chair of the Salisbury Foodbank board, said "We are extremely grateful for help from NFU Mutual Wessex.
"The first few months of 2021 have been our busiest ever, with more families and individuals than ever before coming to us for help. And we expect 2021 to be our busiest year ever as we see the damage done by the pandemic.
"In order for the Salisbury Foodbank to meet that demand we rely on the vital help and support from our friends such as NFU Mutual Wessex."
Caroline Attreed, Corporate Fundraiser of Julia's House, said:**
"The support of the local community has meant so much to everyone at Julia's House over the last year, especially the generosity of local businesses like the amazing team at NFU Mutual Wessex. Knowing our supporters are by our side, helping us continue to care for vulnerable local children and families has meant a great deal. The pandemic has had a devastating impact on our fundraising income and we need public support now more than ever.
"Our shops opened again on 12 April and our hospices have now opened for one to one sessions with our children, in the meantime we are visiting families in their homes providing clinical care, support and a welcome break for exhausted and isolated parents who desperately need to rest and recharge. Thank you for helping us to keep seriously ill children safe and well at home and relieve pressure on the NHS. Your continued support is what makes a difference every day."