2 weeks Ago By Kay Lee
On April 2, 2020, an unprecedented initiative was set in motion when three esteemed figures from Cheshire took pioneering steps to address the urgent needs brought about by the coronavirus crisis. The synchronized efforts of Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire David Briggs MBE, High Sheriff Nick Hopkinson MBE, and outgoing sheriff Mark Mitchell DL led to the donation of £50,000, marking the initiation of a £1 million charity campaign. Their noble gesture was met with enthusiasm and substantial support from businessman Steve Morgan, who pledged to match the funds, doubling the potential impact to an astounding £2 million.
Breaking New Grounds for Support The visionary campaign aimed at supporting those most affected by the pandemic was strategically planned in partnership with the Cheshire Community Foundation. Just one week prior, the foundation had announced its Covid-19 Response Fund, setting the stage for this philanthropic endeavor. Zoe Sheppard, the Foundation’s CEO, emphasized the vital need: “Many charities are already maximized in their capacity and resources, yet the demand only grows in this crisis.
” Steve Morgan, known for his generous philanthropy, expressed concerns about the pandemic’s effect on charitable organizations, stating, “The disruptions to day-to-day fundraising are catastrophic, and it’s imperative that we provide a fiscal safety net.” Addressing Immediate and Long-term Needs As Hopkins and Morgan spearheaded this initiative, they urged community engagement and financial contributions to reinforce the foundation’s efforts. “These desperate times call for unwavering support.
Generous contributions will be invaluable lifelines,” Nick Hopkinson shared passionately. The campaign aimed to go beyond immediate relief. Though the funding might address the crisis’s immediate impact, Zoe Sheppard reiterated that it was also crucial to ensure long-term sustainability for the charities and individuals who rely on them.
Garnering Community Collaboration The dynamic appeal was invigorated by the promise of the Steve Morgan Foundation to double every donation. Charities could seek grants up to £10,000, with the possibility of additional funding, fostering robust support structures for Cheshire’s vulnerable populations. Notably, Steve Morgan’s perspective on charitable resilience underscores the campaign’s foundational ethos: “We can’t allow those in need to suffer as the economy contracts.
Our community must unify and act decisively.” The broader community was encouraged to participate through the Foundation’s direct channels, ensuring expansive reach and tangible outcomes from the collective efforts. According to Chester Standard , this community collaboration highlights an inspiring model of compassion and action during critical times.
An Opportunity for Transformation Ultimately, this day marked a pivotal moment in Cheshire’s collective history—one defined by resilience, unity, and hope amidst uncertainty. The determined efforts of its leaders and communities to navigate through hardship and establish enduring support systems continue to stand as a beacon of optimism and humanity..
