Mortgage firm lends a helping hand

Wednesday 29 July 2020

The Dyslexia Day Centre, the Lions and Leos Clubs and the Princess Elizabeth Hospital Arts & Chaplaincy charity are among those who have received donations from the Skipton Community Fund in recent months.

The Skipton Community Fund has committed to a total of £14,100 to charities across the Channel Islands during the second quarter of 2020.

Money has been donated to a wide range of charities in the islands, including £10,000 to staff-chosen charities during lockdown. 

The Dyslexia Day Centre, the Lions and Leos Clubs, the Princess Elizabeth Hospital Arts & Chaplaincy charity and the Sarnia Walking Club are some of the recipients in Guernsey.

The Lions and Leos Clubs of Guernsey are organising a free-entry community event with the aim of celebrating and thanking the people of Guernsey for their positivity during lockdown. It is replacing the Lions Club’s annual Donkey Derby for 2020, which is usually a vital fundraiser, and will take place on Saturday 22 August at Saumarez Park. 

The Princess Elizabeth Arts & Chaplaincy charity was formed when a group of healthcare professionals came together at the Guernsey hospital. The charity supports those with life limiting illnesses and they employ a palliative care psychotherapist who works with people suffering from these conditions.

Co-Ordinator Linda Le Vasseur said the volunteers organise various activities  - with one example being a painting entitled 'Lockdown' that her husband and well-known artist Peter Le Vasseur recently sold for more than £7,000 at auction to raise funds. 

“People with life-limiting illnesses often find it very difficult to express their hopes, fears and feelings and so feel very isolated," she said. "The work done by the arts psychotherapist gives patients the opportunity to come out of their own very personal lockdown and to live an enhanced life during the course of their illness. This project supports patients, it also supports nurses and other medical staff working with the terminally ill because it adds another layer to the compassionate care they are receiving.”

Lorraine Mclean, Skipton Mortgage Sales Manager, said the community fund was established in 2018 to help promote smaller, less recognised charities through a combination of financial support, increased publicity and volunteering.

"The Skipton Community Fund accepts applications for financial support, and we are always delighted to offer our assistance wherever possible. These charities do fantastic work. The Skipton Community Fund is all about celebrating the islands in which we operate as a business and supporting our fellow islanders, particularly at their time of need.”