Charities plead: ‘We need you more than ever’

The image LIVES is using to promote the charity’s latest fundraiser during the Covid-19 lockdown

All charities have had to put many vital fundraising efforts on hold because of the Covid-19 lockdown.

Charity shops - another important source of income - have had to close.

As yet, there is no indication when the restrictions could be lifted, leaving many organisations struggling to survive.

Horncastle-based LIVES and the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance offer lifeline services and are among two of the many charities facing funding issues.

LIVES has launched a virtual challenge to help support its army of Community First Responders.

The Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance has appealed for public donations.

Throughout the pandemic, LIVES responders have still attended 999 medical emergencies in their communities.

When they aren’t on duty, some responders are assisting councils with care package deliveries to those who are vulnerable and can’t leave their homes.

A LIVES spokeswoman said: “This year, more than ever, we need the help and support of everyone in Lincolnshire to ensure we are able to continue to support our first responders.

“Sadly, many of the events that we would be attending to raise funds have been cancelled due to the pandemic.

“Because we are not be able to fundraise in the way that we normally would, we are launching our ‘What’s Your 50’ Virtual Challenge.”

For just a £5 donation to LIVES, anyone can take part and can choose how to complete their 50 challenge, whether by walking, running or cycling.

Meanwhile, officials at the Air Ambulance have launched their appeal for donations after admitting they could lose up to £3m during the pandemic - and the capacity to fly at night.

CEO Karen Jobling said: “The impact of coronavirus has left us with no other option than to cancel our fundraising activities and close our shops.

“We have already had to scale back night missions, meaning our helicopter will not be making night missions at all as of May.

“This move is due to some of our crew being called back to support the NHS, while some are self-isolating, unable to travel or have become ill.

“We continue to carry out life-saving missions every day but, along with a reducing service, we are concerned about the impact of this significant income drop when we are able to resume our service.

“We appreciate this is a very difficult time, but in order to safeguard the charity moving forward - and ensure we can provide a helicopter emergency medical service to our local communities - I’m reaching out to people in our communities who are able to make a donation.

“You can make a difference.”