Shopper-Aide launches fundraising campaign amid financial shortfall

In the current cost of living crisis, many community groups, social enterprises and charities are struggling to finance their core services. 

Charitable trusts, and their funders, are reporting increasing demand for their funds and services as statutory organisations continue to experience funding challenges of their own. 

In many ways, it is a perfect storm of demand with people experiencing pressure on their household finances, which in turn places demand on community-led services which cannot increase the charges for their in-demand services.

Amid these financial pressures, chair of trustees Susan Paterson said: “We have conducted a professional evaluation of all our activities and we know that our income currently does not match our outgoings. 

“We are asking the community to help us raise a three-month financial buffer whilst we reduce our costs and concentrate on our core activities.

“We are in consultation with our staff as unfortunately it is possible that there may well be redundancies or reduced working hours without this appeal.”

Shopper-Aide is in conversation with a number of key funders and, at this point, is confident that it can put together a package of funding to give the charity time to review its cost base.

General manager Paul Ives said: “Shopper-Aide fulfils a valued service to many vulnerable older people, some of whom would not be able to remain in their own homes without our support.

“As well as discussions with funders such as the National Lottery, we are asking the community to contribute to a fundraising target that equates to three-month costs – minus current income – of £45,000.”

To support Shopper-Aide, members of the community can contribute to its GoFundMe campaign at gofund.me/499af089 or via the donate button on www.shopper-aide.org.uk or contact the charity directly by emailing office@shopper-aide.org.uk or calling 01586 551600.