Wimbledon Foundation Gives Extra Support To Local Charities
AELTC plans to do more to help address the coronavirus crisis
The Wimbledon Foundation, the charitable arm of The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) and The Championships, has granted enhanced support to local charities in response to the coronavirus crisis.
Following on from the cancellation of The Championships 2020, the AELTC says it is developing a series of measures to play its part in addressing the crisis, with the Wimbledon Foundation’s local pledges among the first to be announced.
Bruce Weatherill, Chairman of the Wimbledon Foundation, said: “During this unprecedented time, we want to do all we can to support organisations working tirelessly to support individuals and communities affected by the coronavirus crisis. These donations are a starting point and we are actively planning what more we can do to support those most in need.”
Alongside its five existing grant programmes offering funding to projects helping to tackle social problems and address inequalities in the boroughs of Merton and Wandsworth, the Wimbledon Foundation has enhanced its support through three new donations as follows:
- Support to local organisations delivering vital supplies to the most vulnerable in the local community, with donations to Age UK Merton, Age UK Wandsworth, Glass Door Homeless Charity, the Merton Winter Night Shelter, Wandsworth Foodbank and Wimbledon Foodbank.
- Support for the NHS through a donation to St George’s Hospital Charity’s Coronavirus Appeal, helping to fund medical equipment and supplies, provide mental health and welfare support to hospital staff and access to local accommodation for key NHS frontline staff to protect them and their families.
Amerjit Chohan, Chief Executive of St George’s Hospital Charity, said, “I want to thank the Wimbledon Foundation for their incredibly generous donation to our Coronavirus Appeal. Such generosity not only gives physical support to the hospital but also lifts morale in incalculable ways.”
- Support to charitable organisations in Merton through a contribution to the Merton Giving Coronavirus Fund. The Foundation has match-funded the amount raised by the local business community in Merton, providing financial support to organisations working locally to deliver front line services or organisations impacted by the lockdown measures.
Diana Sterck, Chair of Merton Giving, said, “The importance of cross-sector collaboration has never been so important at this time when we are all facing challenges that just a few short weeks ago seemed unimaginable. We are appreciative that the Wimbledon Foundation has responded to increase the fund.”
Funding due to be allocated by the Wimbledon Foundation’s Community Fund, which is administered by the London Community Foundation (LCF), has been reallocated to LCF’s London Communities Coronavirus Appeal and is being dedicated to charities and grassroots organisations operating in the boroughs of Merton and Wandsworth, responding to the coronavirus crisis by providing vital support to their communities and beneficiaries.
In addition, the Wimbledon Foundation has signed the London Funders’ Pledge - a joint statement coordinated by the membership body of funders of London’s civil society to offer support to civil society groups affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
The Wimbledon Foundation says it has committed to being flexible with its grant programmes in order to allow charities and community organisations to prioritise the most vulnerable in our communities.
April 20, 2020