Local Charities receive ‘Bucks’ boost from FA fund

The Bucks were eligible to apply for an allocation of the FA Community Shield Fund and duly nominated three local causes as part of its co-operative working with the local authority.

Donations of £700 will be made to ‘Caring for our Future’ The Mayor of Telford and Wrekin’s appeal raising funds for a garden at the new Women and Children’s Unit at the Princess Royal Hospital; Marks Pit Stop a Charity which helps homeless people in need in Wellington and Madeley; and Telford Crisis Network which provides help, support and food to residents across Telford and Wrekin Council area.

Club Chairman, Lee Carter, said “We are absolutely delighted to be able to assist the groups through the provision of funding by the FA Community Shield Fund. They are three outstanding causes which will make maximum use of the funding. The donation, I’m sure, will make a big contribution to the outstanding work that they do.”

Cllr Shaun Davies Cabinet Member with special responsibility for the Councils working relationship with AFC Telford Utd Council who fostered the agreement with Club Chairman Lee Carter added “This is yet another example of the ever strengthening relationship between the Council and the Club that the two organisations have worked together to identify these three great courses, each of the organisation which will benefit from the grant are demonstration the best of Telford and Wrekin - all groups are working hard in the Borough to given something extra to the rest in our Town."

Lynn Brayne, Chair of Telford Crisis Network said “Telford Crisis Network is going from strength to strength but demand is also increasing particularly since the latest welfare benefit changes introduced from 1st April. This grant will enable us to reach more people in Telford and Wrekin with help and assistance in times of crisis. I am delighted that such a prominent organisation in the Borough like AFC Telford Utd have chose to support us. The Council have been heavily involved in the network and I know the partnership they have with the network, like that they have with the club is incredibly important to both organisations and symbolic of the new Cooperative council approach that Telford and Wrekin Council have adopted recently.”

Janet Groves from Marks Pit Stop said “This grant is a massive investment into a small organisation like our own and I am personally very grateful for the confidence both the Club and the Council have shown us via the grant. We have a had tough 12 months but this grant will secure our medium term future... we thank the club and the council and of course the FA for thinking about us.”

Cllr Kevin Guy, Mayor of Telford and Wrekin for 2012/13 said “I am delighted that AFC Telford United have chosen to support the 'Caring-For-Our-Future' appeal. This fabulous grant for such a great local course demonstrates how the club and the council are working hand in hand to strengthen their cooperative partnership, whilst also cementing the clubs strong bonds to the community that it belongs.”