Watford residents and visitors who want to support the charities that have been helping local people survive the coronavirus pandemic now have a quick and easy way to show their support.
Published: 10 December 2020
With the support of Metro Bank, Watford Borough Council and Watford and Three Rivers Trust have set up a contactless tap point on the bank’s premises on Watford High Street offering people a quick way to donate £3 to the Watford Covid Appeal.
The Watford Covid Appeal – set up by the council with Watford & Three Rivers Trust – has already raised £160k from the generosity of residents and local businesses. The funding has been distributed to over 150 local frontline charities who have been unable to undertake their normal fundraising efforts.
They have been getting emergency food to those in need, supporting victims of domestic abuse and those with mental health issues, providing shelter for the homeless, care to those bereaved, advice and guidance to those who have lost their jobs and practical help to young families facing the strain of isolation.
The tap point is a pilot and will be in place for six months and, if successful, more contact points could be rolled out across other locations and include other fundraising efforts such as homelessness support.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor said “People are increasingly using contactless payment cards to pay for goods and make donations to charity due to its ease and simplicity. Donation points like this are crucial in providing an effective and efficient way to help the most vulnerable in our society.
“Fundraising is never easy for charities, but currently it is even more challenging as we all face a pandemic which is having both social and economic consequences. The Watford COVID-19 Charity Appeal is working to reduce the negative impacts of coronavirus and we are asking people in Watford to get involved with these fundraising efforts.”
Mark Ryan, Local Business Manager at Metro Bank, Watford High Street said: “We’re delighted to be working with the Watford Covid Appeal to be the first location in the area to have a new contactless donation point. Contactless is the fastest, easiest, and now safest way to pay and donate. At Metro Bank we pride ourselves on supporting our local community and we’re thrilled to have the donation point in our store, helping to raise funds for such a worthy cause.”
Lynne Misner CEO of Small Acts of Kindness, a charity who received funding from the appeal said “For older people, the pandemic and particularly during lockdown has been a really lonely time. The funding we have received has helped us reach out to some of the most vulnerable older people locally and provide them with essential keep warm items. But most importantly this hand delivered gift says someone cares and is thinking about you.”
People can find out more and also support the campaign by donating online at watfordcovidappeal.org.