Letter: Charities in need for a long time

I’m the founder of Covid Co-Operation, Harrogate - a group on Facebook set up in mid-March to connect local people who need help, with those who can help.

We’re now nearly 11,000 strong and I marvel every day at how the people of our town have come together to help one another during this difficult time.

Generosity, kindness, concern, and assistance are shown by so many with no agenda or expectation of anything in return.

Our secondary aim is to raise funds for six, small, local charities: Harrogate Foodbank, Supporting Older People, Hear to Help/Just B, Spark Support, Canaan Warehouse, and IDAS.

I picked these charities carefully; they support mental health, domestic violence sufferers, hunger and poverty, and the elderly. But we’re struggling to gain the momentum they need.

As a group, we are inundated with fundraising posts every day and all of them, without exception, are supporting NHS charities or our amazing hospital.

Worthy causes, even in ordinary times, of course, and I have donated myself, but I am concerned and frustrated that the really vulnerable people in our town and the amazing charities who help them are being overlooked.

Many people have donated and we’ve received generous corporate donations from CNG Energy and Myrings Estate Agents, but we need more local people and businesses to answer this urgent call to arms and get involved, if possible.

The people these charities support will need their help for a long, long time after this and we can all play a part, however small, in making sure they receive that help.

Please give what you can. Thank you.