‘Great town, great people, great spirit’
Self Isolation Support Network gives cash to good causes
TWELVE months since its launch, the Hungerford Self Isolation Support Network is a gift that keeps on giving.
As well as having helped hundreds of residents with everyday problems since the coronavirus lockdown began, founder and co-ordinator Geordie Taylor revealed that he has been able to pass on £1,700 to local good causes.
He said: “Over the last 12 months, I’ve never approached anyone for money.
“Nobody has been charged for the service they’ve received.
“Nonetheless, I have amassed a substantial pot of cash due entirely to the generosity of dozens of our residents.
“Much of it was spent where I felt it was necessary and beneficial, perhaps to put food on someone’s table, heat in their house or petrol in a tank.”
However, he added: “I believe the worst of this crisis is behind us and as I’m in this delightfully privileged position of being able to spend other people’s money, I thinks the time is right to distribute what’s left.
“All the money gifted to me was from Hungerford residents for Hungerford residents, and it’s with that in mind that I have decided on the following recipients.”
£500 for CHAIN
£500 for Hungerford’s Youth
and Community Centre
£500 for Shoal (the Friends of Hungerford Nursery School Centre for Children and Families)
£200 for Smarten Up Hungerford.
Mr Taylor said: “Most, if not all, of the above have arrangements with The Good Exchange, managed by the Greenham Trust.
“What this means in practice is that every pound donated to them is matched by another pound from the trust – it’s a genuine win-win.
“In summary, then, thank you to my assistants who saved the day, thank you to the volunteers who actually did all the work and thank you for all the donations of cash.
“Hungerford is a great town with great people and a great spirit – all I did was put that greatness to good use.”
Town mayor Helen Simpson told Mr Taylor: “Hungerford really is the best place to live – people step up because they genuinely care about the community they live in; no-one ever gets left behind.
“Your skill was bringing them together to create an army of helpers who were all prepared to do their bit for the community response to Covid-19 and the impact the pandemic had within our community.
“The community is so thankful for the efforts of all those wonderful, selfless volunteers who stepped up in support of the town, and to yourself and Kala for leading that team so brilliantly.”
She added: “I know the difference these donations will make to the groups you’ve chosen to support; I’m sure they’re thrilled to receive the funds, and will put them to good use.
“The whole community will benefit from the donations in one way or another.
“Huge congratulations Geordie and team – a simply sterling effort by all.”