Tens of thousands of pounds in grants are ready to be handed out by the Aberdeen Covid-19 hardship fund to help residents in need.
Established little over two weeks ago, the Lord Provost’s charitable trust will disburse £161,596 to those experiencing financial hardship during the pandemic.
Donations totalling £173,275 have come from across the city, including £100,000 from the council through the common good fund.
The trust met last week to consider 51 applications to the hardship fund, from which 24 local registered charities have been successful in the first round.
The 24 charities will be revealed as soon as all 51 applicants have been informed of the outcome.
Aberdeen City Council said the first round of funding should support around 3,600 individuals and 630 families.
Grants ranging from £2,000 to £35,000 will directly aid families by providing food, clothing, toiletries, helping with energy costs or other small hardship payments.
Among those to receive support are vulnerable and at-risk groups who have been particularly affected by the crisis.
In a bid to help crack down on food poverty, an estimated 5,000 food parcels and 20,000 meals are to be provided.
Lord Provost Barney Crockett said: “On behalf of the charitable trust I would like to thank everyone who has donated to the hardship fund so far and urge others to consider doing so to.
“There are a great many charities out there that need our support and the fund has shown it can raise money and disburse it very quickly to local registered charities here in Aberdeen.
“By doing so we can reach those citizens who are most in need due to the pandemic.
“Together we can get through this.”
The trust is still seeking donations and a special crowdfunding page has been set for those wishing to help contribute to worthy causes.
All of the donations are to be given back to those experiencing hardship in Aberdeen.
The special hardship fund is a partnership between The Lord Provost’s Charitable Trust, The Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen and Aberdeen City Council.
Mervyn Donald, deacon convener of The Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen said: “We are delighted the fund has begun gathering momentum and will be going to the charities who are tackling the issues associated with the corona virus pandemic.
“In turn this will support families in the most desperate need in the area.
“We are thrilled to have donations from both individuals and companies from the region.
“Local citizens of Aberdeen will benefit greatly from this.”
To assist with the fund, visit www.aberdeencovid19.org.
Any organisation or individual wishing to discuss making a sizeable donation can email lordprovost@aberdeencity.gov.uk.
