A Ventnor resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, has donated a whopping £20,000 to a new fund launched today by Ventnor Town Council (VTC).
Ventnor Community Support Fund has been set up in response to the cost-of-living crisis being experienced by many residents in the town.
Family Voice documentary
The idea for the Fund came out of public screenings of Ventnor Town Council’s documentary Family Voice (see below).
The short film, commissioned by the VTC, records the experience of residents needing to use the Ventnor Community Foodbank and Baby Box.
Almost a hundred residents attended viewings of the documentary and following the screening they were asked how the town could best respond to the issues raised.
Bartlett: Chance for the better off to help the less well off
The Town Clerk, David Bartlett, explained to News OnTheWight that it was “an opportunity for better off parts of the town to support the less well off “.
He added,
“Establishing a Ventnor Community Support Fund to support organisations with a strong track record of local work with those with low incomes was one of the suggestions from the public meetings.
“These organisations include Ventnor Community Foodbank, Baby Box Isle of Wight, Ventnor Community Pantry and Ventnor Well-being Cafe.
“These groups have all worked closely with the Town Council over the last few years and are well placed to deliver support if they have the funding to do so.”
More supermarket vouchers
He also explained that Fund will be able to support further rounds of supermarket vouchers that the Town Council has previously issued to people nominated by the Foodbank, Baby Box and local schools’ Family Liaison Officers.
£20,000 donation from resident
As well as the £20,000 donation from a resident keen to support the proposal, the Ventnor Town Council will also be committing £5,000 to the fund.
As Christmas and the winter months approach, the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and higher bills will increase the hardship within our communities.
Show your support
Businesses and residents can show their support by making a donation to the fund.
There are three methods:
- By Bank Transfer: to Ventnor Town Council, Sort Code 40-45-09, A/c No. 41366998
- By card payment over the phone (01983 853775) or at the VTC office, Salisbury Gardens, Dudley Road
- Or by cheque: post or deliver to the VTC office.
Donations can be anonymous and details of the Fund’s organisation are available on request.
Watch the documentary
The documentary is just under 15 minutes long and can be watched by clicking on the play arrow below. The words of those involved have been voiced by actors.
Image: alaur rahman under CC BY 2.0
