Lodders Charitable Foundation has handed £4,000 to each of three 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 here in Gloucestershire, were each told of the surprise donations in a letter from Lodders Charitable Foundation's chairman David Lodder.

And that's why the business behind the foundation has been nominated as Punchline's latest Business and Community Champion - - an initiative backed by GFirst LEP, the Growth Hub, Gloucestershire County Council and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Cheltenham based 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," explained David Lodder.

"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, said: "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."

Mahnie Dell-Ashby, The Shakespeare Hospice's marketing manager, added: "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 said: "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."

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Punchline's Business and Community Champion Awards are sponsored by:

GFirst LEP 

https://www.gfirstlep.com 

info@gfirstlep.com 

The Growth Hub Gloucestershire

https://www.thegrowthhub.biz 

talktous@thegrowthhub.biz 

Gloucestershire County Council

https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk 

customerservices@gloucestershire.gov.uk 

Gloucestershire OPCC

https://www.gloucestershire-pcc.gov.uk 

01452 754348