A CHARITY fund set up by a prominent local philanthropist is helping those worst hit by the credit crunch.
The late Fred Freeman, a Liverpool businessman and pioneer of charitable giving, was responsible for establishing a group of charities which became known as United Trusts.
He was subsequently awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Liverpool for developing the concept of charitable donations through pay-roll giving.
He went on to set up the People for People Fund in 1993, renamed The Fred Freeman People for People Fund as a tribute after his death in 2007.
The fund, which is now facilitated by Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services (LCVS), is providing relief for Merseyside families living in poverty.
It is offering small grants for very basic human needs, such as bedding, clothing, heating and kitchen appliances. Without claiming to offer a long-term solution it has distributed more than £300,000 in small grants to nearly 6,500 people since its formation.
The Fund works closely with other frontline organisations to identify those most in need. The funding is only used where the Government does not feel it has a responsibility and all other sources have been exhausted.
Clare Beavan, philanthropy manager at LCVS, said: "The People for People Fund exists to help those who find themselves, for whatever reason, in difficult circumstances. "With the credit crunch and subsequent rising number of redundancies, anyone can find themselves plunged into poverty and hardship. We urge potential donors to give what they can to help those in need."
Archbishop Patrick Kelly, chairman of the fund’s advisory group, said: "It is wonderful to be associated with what United Trusts stands for.
"By supporting the Fred Freeman People for People Fund you can help provide some relief, some hope to the most vulnerable members of our community and show them that they are not being forgotten about and that we are all working towards creating a better community for everyone."
For more information about how to apply for a grant or to make a donation call 0151 227 5177 or peopleforpeoplefund@lcvs.org.uk. Further information is available at www.lcvs.org.uk
