As Coronavirus continues to take over our lives, the news and our basic freedom (for now!), I wondered what I could do from my makeshift desk for those who might not be as fortunate as us all at this time.

The famous phrase "Charity begins at home" has a number of interpretations and over the years has been shortened from the fuller phrase "Charity begins at home, but should not end there" which has never felt more relevant than in today's uncertain times.

I totally appreciate, of course, that everyone has their own challenges and daily pressures and these are somewhat heightened right now: concerns about elderly relatives, home-schooling our children, working at home, worrying about loved ones who work for the health service, etc.; the list goes on and is personal to each and everyone of us. That said, I think whilst we all have down days and low moments - someone, somewhere is in a more unfortunate position.

In a perverse way many of us are benefiting in this situation - there are no commuting fares, we aren't spending money on petrol, there's no need for a take-out coffee/lunch, there are flights we won't be booking and there are drinks/dinner plans we've had to cancel. My plea is to call upon you to consider contributing something from this gain, be it a one off donation, an ongoing weekly/monthly contribution, or just a donation of kindness, to this charitable fund in order to make a real difference to the people who need it more than us. No amount is too small or too much - but calculating my own situation I am kicking off the fund with a £100 monthly donation.

This is an open charitable fund, the idea behind it is that the money raised goes to different charities/community groups/individuals in need as money continues to be raised. We as contributors, are the benefactors so I ask that in the comments of your donation you suggest a charity/person/group of people that you would like to be considered. Once we have reached a suitable pool a selected group of committee members will discuss and agree the first round of beneficiaries and so on and so forth as the fund continues to grow.

Stay Home, Stay Safe, Save Lives

Advanced thanks,

Angus