Community Fund 2020

The Co-Ownership Community Fund, which has been running for the past 3 years, demonstrates Co-Ownership’s commitment to responsible business and working for social good. The fund is aimed at supporting projects which make a positive social impact in the lives of individuals, local neighbourhoods, or communities.

In March 2020, it quickly became apparent that Covid 19 and the ensuing lockdown would have an enormous detrimental impact on the local community and the Co-Ownership Senior Leadership Team agreed they wanted to play their part in providing practical help where possible. They took the decision to mobilise funds from the Co-Ownership Community Fund and award it directly to an organisation who could use the money to help ease the immediate need felt by those most vulnerable in the community.

As a result, in April 2020, Co-Ownership awarded Extern a cheque for £10,000 towards their Coronavirus Hardship appeal. Donations to the appeal helped to facilitate the charity to continue its work ensuring vulnerable young people and families, people who are homeless, and those already living with mental health or problem drug and alcohol issues could stay safe during the crisis. Co-Ownership’s support helped to ensure Extern could reach many more vulnerable members of the community who needed help.

Following the donation, Extern CEO, Charlie Mack wrote a letter to thank Co-Ownership for the donation and said;

‘The donation will enable us to free funds quickly to assist vulnerable children and families in need in a timely way, ensuring their individual needs are supported. Co-Ownership’s generosity has really enthused and inspired our own leadership team and strengthened the resolve of our programme staff to do everything reasonably possible to continue offering our life-changing supports throughout the coronavirus crisis…. Your support will truly enable Extern to adapt its services to meet the current crisis head on.’

It is clear to see that the donation from the Co-Ownership Community Fund will be put to great use and the immediate impact it will have on offering some relief to those most in need during these challenging times.