Merton Giving has been overwhelmed by the heart-warming stories of the incredible community support and acts of local giving throughout the borough. Darling is following amazing acts of kindness through #howcanihelp

A group of kind-hearted football fans from Chamber member, AFC Wimbledon has set up an action group to help local people. The Dons Local Action Group, working closely with the AFC Wimbledon launched an urgent public appeal for food to be dropped off at two landmark venues – The Alexandra pub in Wimbledon and Old Ruts sports club in Merton Park. They have an army of volunteers ready to go and help people and would love to hear from anyone else that wants to join them. The fans have already launched their own Twitter handle – @DonsLocalAction- and are also offering to run errands, pick up prescriptions, do the shopping, walk dogs and provide as much help as possible across the entire borough. Volunteers can also call 020 3301 4511 or email DLA@afcwimbledonfoundation.org.uk

Following the restaurant and pub closures last week, the William Morris pub in Merton Abbey Mills has donated food to a homeless hostel in Merton, run by charity Spear London. Their generous act of giving has providing meals for 15 hungry 16-25 year olds. www.spearlondon.org

Merton Giving works as an endorsement for any local giving providing a platform for Merton charities to use in a collaborative way. We help support any local charity by spreading the word and connecting them to groups/businesses where we can.
Merton Giving is from a partnership of Merton Chamber (providing expertise in the business sector) and MVSC (providing expertise in the local charity sector). AFC Wimbledon is a chamber member although we would support the Dons group whether or not they were members.
Merton Giving has been around for over a year providing a platform for all giving across the borough and helping to support local charities by encouraging people to think local when giving. Merton Giving makes a positive difference in our community by; connecting businesses, groups and individuals to local charities, supporting good causes and fundraising to provide financial support for local charities through the Merton Giving Fund.
To date, Merton Giving has provided funding for over 30 local charities allowing them to run projects which they otherwise couldn’t do. Funded activities range from coaching and supporting vulnerable children through to weekly social sessions and outings for elderly groups to combat loneliness and isolation

At this challenging time, local giving has never been so important. There are different ways for you to get involved and support your local community.

Merton Giving partner, MVSC is working with charities in the borough to mobilise a volunteer taskforce to help isolated households and those most at risk from Covid-19.

How Do I Volunteer?
If you are able to volunteer and join the task force please get in touch with them via email volunteer@mvsc.co.uk
Volunteers will be partnered with a group who will allocate tasks. These are varied and could include shopping for basic provisions and delivering these, collecting prescriptions and medication, dog walking for isolated people and making telephone calls to enable isolate people to keep in touch.

How Do I get Help?
If you need help or know someone that needs help then you can email help@mvsc.co.uk or call their hotline on 020 8685 2272. Telephone lines are open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

How can I Make a Donation?
Merton Giving has launched a special Coronavirus Fund to provide financial support to charities working locally to help isolated people. Donations to the fund will be used to help charities assist volunteers to deliver shopping and other vital support to people who are isolated in their homes during this difficult and challenging period.
You can give online here http://bit.ly/2WTkpd3 Every little helps so please give if you’re able.