Local charities to benefit from Serco funding

Serco, Canterbury City Council’s environmental service partner, has chosen three local charities to benefit from its Waste Collection Guarantee (WCG) Fund in 2016/17. Rising Sun Domestic Violence & Abuse Service, Canterbury Shopmobility, and Herne Bay Umbrella Centre will each receive £10,000 over the next two years to run community projects across the Canterbury district. 

The judging panel, comprising representatives from the Council and Serco, were impressed by the strong cases for funding put forward by these organisations and believe their projects will benefit a wide range of people in the local community. 

Rising Sun Domestic Violence & Abuse Service will use their funding to deliver a ‘healthy relationships’ programme in Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable. While Canterbury Shopmobility will purchase additional wheelchairs and the Umbrella Centre for Herne Bay will run a self-development programme for those experiencing mental health issues.

Tim Guile, Partnership Director for Serco, commented: “These charities are carrying out essential and inspiring work to help those that are vulnerable or in need of some extra support so they can live with independence and dignity. I am pleased that Serco’s donation will enable them to deliver worthwhile projects that will make a positive impact on people’s lives.”

Cllr Neil Baker, Chairman of the City Council's Community Committee, added: "It was great to have so many high-quality applications and see how much good work is being done throughout the community. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I believe we have selected three projects that will make a real difference to the lives of many local people thanks to the financial assistance provided through this Serco initiative."

Serco first launched the WGC Fund in November 2013 and the current beneficiaries are the Herne Bay Umbrella Centre, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre and Porchlight.

Ends