Steve Morgan Foundation to match fund Our Communities Together appeal

‘Our Communities Together – A Cost of Living Crisis Appeal’ is a joint initiative between Community Foundation Wales and the media company Newsquest.

The campaign is Wales-wide and the Steve Morgan Foundation has added its support to help people specifically in North Wales.

Newsquest say thanks to the support of larger donors, every £1 given by readers, will see £2 given to local causes.

Organisers have pledged to fund a series of initiatives including:

• One-to-one support sessions on finance to individuals who need budgeting help;

• Classes to families about cooking healthily and economically;

• Access to IT and other support services for families unable to make ends meet; and

• Keeping community venues open and warm to support the most vulnerable people.

According to statistics from the Welsh Government, 34% of children live below the poverty line and 14% of all households live in fuel poverty.

The situation has been worsened by the cost-of-living crisis with 30% of people in July, 2022, saying their financial situation was negatively impacting their health.

Now entrepreneur Steve Morgan has pledged to match-fund donations up to £25,000 to assist people in North Wales.

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The CEO of the Steve Morgan Foundation, Liam Eaglestone, said: “The Steve Morgan Foundation was launched in 2001 to support the most vulnerable members of society across North Wales, Cheshire and Merseyside.

“We know a lot of people are really struggling because of the cost of living crisis and we’re determined to help.

“A third of children in Wales are living below the poverty line and the situation is getting worse. We have to do something.

“That’s why we’ve committed up to £25,000 to Community Foundation Wales and Newsquest to make a real difference to people in North Wales hit hardest by the cost of living crisis.”

Richard Williams, chief executive of Community Foundation Wales, said: “All across Wales, the effects of the cost of living crisis are being felt and those most in need are suffering. That is why we have launched the ‘Our Communities Together – a cost of living crisis appeal’ in partnership with Newsquest.

“Monies raised through the appeal will support charities and community organisations across Wales to help those most affected by the cost of living crisis.

“We are grateful for the generous support from the Steve Morgan Foundation which will enable us to match-fund up to £25,000 against donations from businesses in North Wales.

“This kind of partnership working is key in helping us to raise as much money as possible and will ensure that we reach and support the most vulnerable in our communities through this crisis.”

Community Foundation in Wales typically distribute small grants averaging £3,500 to support people most in need and help equality and opportunity in Welsh communities.

The Steve Morgan Foundation has vowed to match-fund up to £25,000 against donations from businesses in North Wales to be spent within the Foundation’s catchment area.