Chris Kamara backs campaign to raise £500,000 for Wakefield's frontline volunteers

Football Pundit Chris Kamara has backed a campaign to raise half-a-million pounds for the district’s volunteers.
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Backed by the Express, local charity Community Foundation Wakefield District hopes to raise £500,000 in support of the volunteers and charity staff on the frontline of the coronavirus crisis.

With help from Wakefield Council, WDH and more, the charity have received pledges of £4 for every £1 donated, meaning that they will be able to reach their total funding target with just £100,000 of public donations.

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The campaign had previously been backed by Sir Rodney Walker, as well as Tony Robinson, the Bishop of Wakefield.

Football Pundit Chris Kamara has backed a campaign to raise half-a-million pounds for Wakefield's volunteers.Football Pundit Chris Kamara has backed a campaign to raise half-a-million pounds for Wakefield's volunteers.
Football Pundit Chris Kamara has backed a campaign to raise half-a-million pounds for Wakefield's volunteers.

And former professional footballer Chris Kamara has now thrown his weight behind the project.

He said: “I adopted Wakefield as my home town 30 years ago, along with my wife and two sons, and am now lucky enough to also have my grandchildren growing up in the area.

“So, knowing them so well, I am in no doubt that the generosity of the Wakefield population will be evident in helping the Wakefield Community Foundation in their quest to raise £100,000 for frontline charities who are working so bravely and relentlessly during the current pandemic.

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“It’s hard times for all, and there may be tougher times ahead, but please, all you ‘Shakey Wakey’ folk, dig deep or do what you can to raise funds, no matter how small...it all helps.

Spectrum People supports some of the districts most vulnerable adults, providing community spaces, mental health support and opportunities for training and education.Spectrum People supports some of the districts most vulnerable adults, providing community spaces, mental health support and opportunities for training and education.
Spectrum People supports some of the districts most vulnerable adults, providing community spaces, mental health support and opportunities for training and education.

“And I know your support is bound to be ‘Unbelievable’!”

The Community Foundation works with dozens of charities across the district, delivery food and medication to the most vulnerable residents.

Jon Ingham, of the Community Foundation, said: “We can all do our bit as we are stronger together and every donation matters, no matter how small. You may wish to donate the cost of your daily commute or be sponsored to do a performance on line to entertain your friends and family.

“This is an enormous effort on behalf of the whole community.

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“We can achieve more together to bring individuals, families and local business through this current health crisis.

“Thank you for supporting your local community.”

Visit justgiving.com/campaign/Wakefieldcares for more information or to donate.

'Crisis has put more pressure on our services'

Spectrum People supports some of the district’s most vulnerable adults, providing community spaces, mental health support and opportunities for training and education.

But like many groups, they have been forced to reassess their work during lockdown, and now rely on phone calls to keep in touch with those they are supporting.

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Bridget Gill, who works for Spectrum, said: “If you have a physical health problem like a broken leg then once it’s fixed it’s fixed.

“If you have a mental health issue it often carries on throughout your life.

“Having somebody they can chat to and talk to is really important.

“Sometimes we will give someone a call once every couple of weeks, with some people it’s every day.”

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Spectrum People need donations from groups like the Community Foundation to support their work, including hiring specialist staff and reaching out to those in need.

But the charity rely on face-to-face meetings to reach out to those in need, and worry that the virus means many people will not be able to seek help.

Bridget said: “We work with Wakefield Street Kitchen, where less than 10 per cent of people who attend that have a phone with any kind of credit on it

“That puts it in perspective.”

See spectrumhealth.org.uk/spectrum-people for more information about the charity.

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