Scarborough charity 'not going anywhere' despite fall in donations
The Rainbow Centre helps and supports people in Scarborough
A charity in Scarborough says it is not going anywhere despite fears they might not survive due to a drop in donations.
The Rainbow Centre, which celebrates its 26th birthday this year, helps and supports those who are struggling in the town with a variety of services.
Jo Laking, Chief Executive, said: "When it originally started its name is actually Saint Mary's Social Action Centre and it started to offer support to the vulnerable people in the community. Over the years it's developed and very much now supports homeless people, the vulnerable and other people too who may be struggling with every day-to-day life.
"We rely on the public to donate to us, not just monetary donations but we also rely on grants from North Yorkshire Council, other grant funding through the lottery and all charities are chasing the same pots of money and there's only a finite amount of money as well.
"Less people have got money in their pockets to donate food to us and donate cash to us. We're findign that quite difficult especially when it ceosmt to food. The bins at the supermarkets where they used to be full, brim and over when we go to collect them, this is people donating to us, and it's not. We appreciate everybody is really struggling.
"The Rainbow Centre isn't going anywhere soon. We have got some really fantastic loyal, strong supporters. We recognise that we need to more proactive in making sure that we are solvent and we keep the service running because we want to be here for another 26 years. It's a very, very successful and well-run organisation and it's here to stay.
"The centre can provide emergency food parcels for people who are struggling to buy food. For the homeless, we have a lovely warm space, we have a shower, we have a washing machine and dryer. We have huge stocks of clothes that people can have if they need it. We also do starter packs for people who've just moved into accommodation like crockery, pots and pans etc.
"We're having more professional people coming through the doors, more families, elderly people, the pensions and their wages don't last as long as they used to do. Buying food is problematic and having money to put the heating on. We have nurses coming in. It's changing and we've seen an increase in how many people are coming in."