Banbury charities seek ways to get over fundraising difficulty during the Covid lockdowns

Around 40 people representing local charitable groups logged on to the Town Mayor’s Virtual Charity Evening last Thursday to hear speakers stress the need for contact and collaboration between volunteers and organisations that can provide assistance.

The session was organised by town mayor Cllr John Colegrave for charities and help-groups that operate in Banbury.

The event was hosted by Banbury High Steward Sir Tony Baldry with speakers including Brian Buchan (Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire), Amanda Ponsonby MBE (High Sheriff of Oxfordshire), Angela Cristofoli (Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action), Adrian Sells (Oxfordshire Community Foundation), Keith Davies (Citizens Advice), Bee Myson (Age Friendly Banbury), and Tim Tarby-Donald (Charity Ninja).

Amanda Ponsonby said: “Covid-19 has been devastating for everyone but if communities pull together, we can come out of it on a positive note.”

Angela Christofoli said the OCVA could help on a range of subjects including funding and filling in grant application forms. She said funding was available but there was huge demand.

Other speakers reinforced the togetherness theme. Mr Colegrave said: “This meeting is to let volunteers know they are not alone and that help is at hand."

He said Banbury Town Council is offering emergency grants to help local good causes cope with the effects of virus restrictions. Full details are on the council’s website.

He said: “It is important, when coronavirus allows, that people get back together as soon as possible. Banbury Town Council is continuing to maintain its parks and play areas so that fundraising events can be held when the time is right.”

The event ended with a short question and answer session.