A council backed fund was set up on the 19th March in an effort to raise £25,000 to assist great causes helping the elderly and vulnerable across Nottingham during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Just 10 days later, the target has been smashed with plans to increase the target to £35,000.
The first £10,000 of the fund was released to the Nottingham City Council bank account on the 27th March with every penny being passed on to good causes. The receivers of this amount were: NG11 Clifton Foodbank, Meadows Foodbank, Grace Church, HOPE Nottingham, Bestwood & Bulwell Foodbank, Himmah/Muslim Hands, Arnold Foodbank and St. Ann’s Advice Centre.
Robin Hood Fund founder and chairman of the Nottingham Board for Culture and Creativity, Greg Nugent said: “The first £10,000 will be going to food banks so they can buy food in bulk. The response has been unbelievable.”
Every Monday, Nottingham City Council will administer the release of funds from the GoFundMe page to the council bank account. Once in the Nottingham City Council bank account, the funds are ring fenced and held until the decision of where it will be allocated has been made. 100% of all funds donated will be given to great causes across Nottingham.
Through online and business donations, the Robin Hood Fund will provide food packages and financial relief for those affected by coronavirus in Nottingham. It is hoped the project will act as a focal point to coordinate financial support. No donation will be considered too small.
Councillor Rebecca Langton, Portfolio Holder for Communities at Nottingham City Council, said: “I’m never surprised by just how generous and supportive people in our city are to one another, particularly in times of need.
“It’s going to be so important that we carry one helping each other in the coming weeks and we want to make sure people can do this safely.
“Everyone can do their bit at the moment. Even if you’re not able make a financial contribution, please continue to check in regularly with family members and neighbours over the phone or through video calls to make sure they’re OK. We will get through this together and I’m proud of Nottingham’s response once again.”
In Nottingham we have a famous history of looking after one another. You could call it the spirit of Robin Hood – and that spirit has never been more important right now.
If you would like to donate to this wonderful cause, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/3ytaf-robin-hood-fund.