Cash boost for local Covid-19 crisis support groups
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BUCKIE community groups helping some of the most vulnerable get through the Covid-19 lockdown have been handed another massive cash boost.
Over £22,000 has been secured by Buckie and District Community Council (BDCC) which will be split among local organisations to support a variety of projects which have been reaching out to young and old alike since the lockdown was introduced in March.
The funding pot comes from the Scottish Government's Supporting Communities Fund, which is being administered in this area by Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
BDCC chairman Kevin McKay said: "I'm absolutely delighted that the community council have been able to this unprecedented level of funding to support local groups.
"It has been very pleasing indeed to see the way how a wide variety of groups have come together to help the community during these times.
"I'm very proud of the community and the way it's responded to this crisis.
"It's at times like these Buckie always seems to rally round. When the chips are down you see the best of Buckie."
Mr McKay went on to note that the community council would be applying for more funding at the appropriate juncture as society emerges further from lockdown, the current tranche of cash being aimed primarily at supporting existing schemes.
He also voiced his thanks to Moray Council community support officer Tracey Rae and her colleagues for their support, which he described as having been "vital".
The biggest winner from this funding round were Buckie Kindness Group – handed £16,605.48 – who have been delivering emergency care packages and meals to those in need either through self-iolating or having lost their jobs due to the lockdown. The group have also started a community larder and have set up a temporary base of operations in Portessie Public Hall at the invitation of the management committee there.
John Stuart, from the kindness group, said: "This grant will basically help us continue and expand our current remit.
"At the moment we're planning to provide our emergency care packages in a different way, including giving out checklists for people to pick what they'd like to receive.
"We've also been topping up supplies at the Portgordon community pantry.
"The community larder has been going very well. The larder is actually my caravan which is load up with a selection of food, toiletries and cleaning material and go round various part of Buckie about once a fortnight.
"As a group we're trying to ensure we are reaching the people affected by the Covid lockdown, trying to reach out to those who are struggling, including those who have been furloughed or made redundant
Mr Stuart added that the group were also aiming to begin whittling down the amount of supplies stored at Portessie hall in preparation for it reopening at some point to the public.
Also set to benefit from the funding are: Portessie Public Hall – £1980 to cover extra costs associate with hosting Buckie Kindness Group; Findochty Community Council – £1440 for their food voucher scheme; Buckie Regeneration Group – £1050 continued support for their wifi connectivity project; Buckie Fishermen's Hall Trust – £1050 towards paying for utilities until lockdown ends; Buckie and District Community Council –£1041.60 to purchase food lockers to be lent to community groups as required.
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