Horsham charity supporting families through difficult times thanks community for on-going support as it launches appeal

A leading Horsham charity - which runs the town’s foodbank - is facing a funding crisis because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Horsham Matters says it has lost £80,000 in funds since the start of the pandemic - and has now launched an appeal to help maintain its vital work.

The charity says that, along with all charities, it has faced many challenges as a result of the pandemic and that the loss of retail revenue from their Charity Superstore lockdown closures amounts to £80,000.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ordinarily, their retail income supports the core costs of the charity and their charitable work.

A member of the Horsham Matters team preparing a food parcelA member of the Horsham Matters team preparing a food parcel
A member of the Horsham Matters team preparing a food parcel

In an attempt to absorb these losses the charity says it has been adapting, launching their online store last April. This provision ensures that those needing essential household goods at low prices do not go without as a result of the shop closure.

The charity has also focused on fundraising and grant applications to ensure ongoing operations and says the support from the community has been ‘overwhelming.’

It says that Horsham residents, organisations, businesses, county and district councils as well as groups have been ‘generous with their time, monetary donations and foodbank donations.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Horsham Matters managing director Emma Elnaugh said: “Without the on-going support of our community it would have been very difficult for us to continue.

“We are grateful to each and every donor for their contributions - thinking of our charity has ensured we are here to help others.”

She added that while the community had been supporting the charity, Horsham Matters itself had been supporting those facing very difficult times.

The charity has provided more than 10,000 emergency food parcels across the whole district since April 2019.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

These parcels make a huge difference to those being supported. One foodbank client said: “I just wanted to say a massive thank you for the delivery of the food parcel.

“I have worked up until this coronavirus epidemic and it has crippled us financially and without your help I really don’t know what I’d do.”

Horsham Matters is also continuing to offer support to residents experiencing fuel poverty.

The pandemic has had a clear impact upon the number of residents requiring help from the charity and they expect that need to continue to increase.

However, Horsham Matters encourages any resident needing support to contact them on 0300 1240204.