Berkhamsted Rotary has a proud record of organising fund-raising events in aid of local charities and good causes but the Covid-19 restrictions have caused a temporary halt to our fund-raising activities. The lockdown is adversely affecting vulnerable people in the town together with funding for those community organisations which are helping them weather the crisis.

We are therefore appealing for donations to help three wonderful community organisations which we have supported in the past and with whom we have good relations. Each is now helping people in Berkhamsted who are suffering hardship due to loss of income or employment together with lonely elderly folk who are cut off from their normal support.

Throughout the Covid epidemic we in Rotary will be receiving regular reports from each of them about the demands on their services. It may be that, over time, the demands on each of them will vary. We will be working with them to channel the money to where it is most needed in our town.

OPEN DOOR is a small local charity (part of the Way Inn charity). While its community space is closed due to the restrictions, manager Joan Fisher has begun using its kitchen to provide and deliver hot meals to the homes of people identified by Age UK , by churches, and by the network of Covid 19 street representatives. Your contributions will go towards the cost of food and ingredients.

DENS is a well established charity known best for its 44 bed Hostel for the homeless in Hemel. It also runs a well organised food bank from which it also provides food parcels to needy families in Berkhamsted through its partner in our town Way Inn. It is experiencing an unprecedented rise in demand (up 75%) for food parcels. They are buying food at wholesale prices but their foodbank is low. Your contributions will go towards the cost of food.

DACORUM COMMUNITY TRUST is a well run independent charity which has been helping local people in crisis for over 40 years. They help individuals and families by providing basic necessities and small grants and are currently experiencing a surge in requests for help.

In these unprecedented times, please help us to support these brilliant local organisations by making a donation .. and indeed gift aiding it if possible!