Sweets firm aims to spread happiness with fund
Grants will back projects that help communities
A GLOBAL confectionery firm aims to play a major role in helping Yorkshire-based community groups recover from the pandemic.
Haribo and Leeds Community Foundation have launched The Haribo Happiness Fund, which will support projects creating “moments of child-like happiness” across Leeds.
The fund will provide support for initiatives that bring older and younger people together in a safe way.
The partners hope to attract submissions for projects that can be delivered online, offline and on-site.
A spokesman said: “The Haribo Happiness Fund will bring people together to take part in new and engaging activities, those that they would not normally access, experience or enjoy – to strengthen communities and promote better connections across age ranges.”
Jon Hughes, the managing director at Haribo, said: “Once again we are proud to be working in partnership with Leeds Community Foundation and to be in a position where we can provide much-needed support to our communities.
“The Haribo Happiness Fund is the perfect programme for the current climate. More so than ever before, we need proactive, positive activities that raise a smile and tackle the high levels of isolation and loneliness that many are experiencing.
“Our generations have a great deal to offer each other, undoubtedly many opportunities for fun and laughter. We cannot wait to see how our new fund can help to make this happen and to deliver real moments of childlike happiness
Kate Hainsworth, chief executive of Leeds Community Foundation. at a time when people need it the most.
“We recognise that our world is very different from what it was just a few months ago. But, during this time, we have seen great examples of resilience and creativity and we expect our project partners to adopt the same approach when they pull together their ideas and plans for intergenerational community projects.”
Kate Hainsworth, chief executive of Leeds Community Foundation, said the foundation was proud to be working alongside Haribo.
She added: “Their commitment as a global organisation to local initiatives is evidence of the wider impact that can be made through a targeted community approach, making a huge difference to the lives of those that need help the most.
“It continues to be a tough time for the community sector, and the foundation alongside our partners has been working hard to secure a future for these groups across Leeds and for the communities they support.
“The Haribo Happiness Fund will provide strength to communities that have been affected by the pandemic, supporting wellbeing and tackling loneliness issues around both generations.
“We are excited about the outcomes of this unique programme and the creativity and input from the groups delivering intergenerational initiatives in their local communities.”
Applications can be accessed via www.leedscf.org.uk/ourgrants.
Leeds Community Foundation distributes grants, shares advice and uses specialist knowledge to help community projects grow. Since its inception, Leeds Community Foundation has distributed more than £42m and supported hundreds of thousands of people in some of the most deprived communities of Leeds and Bradford.
We are excited about the outcomes of this unique programme.