Local charities hit by donations drop

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 28th Sep 2009

Alex Feakes urges people to keep giving to charity during the recession

Volunteering groups, charities and trusts have been hit by a drop-off in donations this year, according to research by the Charities Aid Foundation and National Council for Voluntary Organisations, potentially leaving local groups short of funds just when the recession has increased their workload. In addition, the CAF/NCVO figures show that the average donation has dropped as a result fewer large donations by professionals and the better-off, whilst giving by the less well-off has held up.

Lib Dem Lewisham West & Penge parliamentary spokesman and local charity trustee, Alex Feakes, said: "It's understandable in these harder economic times that the first call on our cash is to meet our own needs. But at the same time the poorest and most vulnerable in our community need assistance to get by, and the volunteering groups and charities that support them desperately need donors to keep giving."

Donations in 2009 have dropped by 11% across the country compared to the previous year, though giving to medical research, religious charities and hospices - such as St Christopher's in Sydenham - has remained steady. Overall, the UK population continues to be generous givers to and supporters of charities.

Cllr Feakes, who earlier this year completed a sponsored abseil down Kings College Hospital in support of the Forest Hill & Sydenham Voluntary Care Centre, commented: "I urge everyone not to forget charity giving at this time, particularly for local organisations such as the Voluntary Care Centre and St Christopher's Hospice. Sponsored events and donations, even small ones, will really make a difference to local organisations."

Related Links:

National Council for Volunteering Organisations.

Voluntary Care Centre.