Lodders Charitable Foundation donates £12,000 to local charities

Lodders Charitable Foundation has handed £4,000 to each of three local independent charities, in a bid to ease growing financial pressure and unprecedented calls for their support as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Shakespeare Hospice and Lifespace, both based in Stratford upon Avon, and the Cheltenham Open Door charity, were each told of the surprise donations in a letter from Lodders Charitable Foundation’s Chairman David Lodder.

Law firm Lodders created its charitable foundation (LCF) in 2016 with the aim of raising vital financial support and providing help to local charities where it can make a genuine difference.

The latest £12,000 gifts bring its total donations to local independent charities to more than £60,000.

“We are acutely aware that these are difficult times for many, in particular for charities that have seen a dip in donations and fundraising, alongside a growing need for their services and support from people and communities struggling more than ever in these unprecedented times,” explains David Lodder.

Great privilege

“Lodders’ ethos of supporting the people and charities in its local communities is embedded across the firm. The last 18 months have been a busy and successful fundraising period for the Charitable Foundation, and it has been a great privilege to raise funds and now be able to distribute these amongst three worthwhile charities in our region and the firm’s local communities.”

Responding to the £4,000 donation to Lifespace, which mentors young people aged between nine and 19, its CEO Rachel Key, says: “The last two months have highlighted the importance of friends who know and understand you, and we are delighted that Lodders is such a friend to Lifespace.

Generous gift

“Some of the issues young people face have been made worse by the current situation while for others, anxiety about exams and school have been replaced by fears about the health of loved ones or the uncertainty of the future.

“We are incredibly grateful for this generous gift that will help our mentors to stay in touch with children and young people. Covid-19 has changed life in so many ways. For a small charity like ours, it has meant adapting and delivering our service by phone, email, and video rather than face to face. There have been additional costs combined with fewer opportunities to raise money, so this generous gift is incredibly welcome.”

Lifespace plans to invest the £4000 into additional training and development of its mentors so they can continue to offer the best possible mentoring support to children and young people across South Warwickshire. “For the young people we support, knowing that they can still talk to someone who knows them, will listen to whatever they want to talk about, and can offer positive support without judgement is making a huge difference to our mentees, their families and our partner schools,” Rachel says.

Mahnie Dell-Ashby, The Shakespeare Hospice’s Marketing Manager, adds: “We are immensely thankful to Lodders Charitable Foundation for its generous donation. During these unprecedented times, we need support more than ever, and this money helps ensure we can continue to provide our vital frontline services.”

Cheltenham Open Door is dedicated to providing support to the town’s most vulnerable, disadvantaged, and lonely people. The charity’s Rosie Radford explains: “As with all charities, we fear a downturn in donations at precisely the time when our food bills have gone up. Lodders’ support at this time means we can continue to support our guests during this difficult time and into the future. Thank you, Lodders, for supporting us.”

Annual Dog Walk

Lodders Charitable Foundation’s flagship fundraising event – its Annual Dog Walk – has been postponed until later in 2020, and will now take place on the 4th October.

Lifespace Trust is an independent charity that mentors young people aged between 9 and 19, to help them build resilience and achieve more. www.lifespace.org.uk

The Shakespeare Hospice provides specialist palliative day care for people and emotional care to those facing or coping with a loss, living in the Stratford upon Avon district.

Cheltenham Open Door is committed to providing support to relieve poverty, hardship and distress for its local communities.