Grants Available – Westquay donating £20,000 to local groups impacted by Covid-19
Westquay has launched the ‘Giving Back Project’, a new scheme which will award grants of £2,000 to ten local charities that have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The scheme has been developed in partnership with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF), which will help Westquay allocate the ten grants.
The Giving Back Project is specifically designed to support those local charities and organisations in Southampton that have been hardest hit by the pandemic and lockdown.
It will target groups that engage in any of the following:
- Food bank support and tackling food poverty
- Providing support services to people affected by domestic violence and abuse
- Supporting those who are homeless or rough sleeping
- Providing employment opportunities, enterprise or skills development
Groups can check if they are eligible to apply for a grant on www.hiwcf.com/funds/hammerson/ and applications close on 9th September 2020.
Laura Read, General Manager at Westquay said: “The past few months have been an extremely challenging time for so many people, and it is more important than ever that we support those in need. The Giving Back Project is all about giving a helping hand to those charities and organisations that do valuable work for local people, but are facing challenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. By partnering with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation, we can make sure we reach the groups that most need our support.”
Grant Cornwell MBE, Chief Executive at HIWCF added: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Westquay and this generous donation. During the Coivid-19 crisis we have discovered many people who are isolated, without income, and fearful of the days ahead, and the grants from Westquay will make a massive difference to our abilities to provide ongoing funding to support the most vulnerable within Southampton.”
Grant continued “HIWCF has a strong record of working with corporate clients in managing and administering professional charitable funds to achieve high impact corporate social responsibility goals and we provide an efficient and flexible way for local businesses to manage their charitable giving.”
About HIWCF
The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF) is an independent charitable trust established to inspire local giving for local need. The Community Foundation works both with donors who want to give something back to their local communities and voluntary groups providing vital services for local people where often a few hundred pounds can make a real difference to their lives. Companies, individuals, families and trusts can establish a fund with the Foundation, which supports a growing programme of grant-making to communities. HIWCF is part of a national network of 46 Community Foundations, one of the fastest growing philanthropic movements in the UK. Please email any queries to the HIWCF Grants Team at grantsadmin@hiwcf.com
About Westquay
Westquay Shopping Centre was opened on the 28th September 2000. Situated just a short walk away from Southampton Central station, Westquay is home to over 100 brands, including major department stores, John Lewis & Partners and Marks & Spencer as well as iconic stores Victoria’s Secret, Zara, Schuh, Apple, Hollister, Lego and Tommy Hilfiger. Westquay also offers a fantastic dining experience with a wide choice of restaurants to cater to all tastes, whether you fancy authentic Japanese at Wagamama, classical pizzas at Franco Manca or fresh, juicy burgers at Byron Burger. Westquay’s dining and leisure development has brought an array of fantastic restaurants to the city, alongside a 10-screen luxury Showcase cinema de Lux and 12-lane Hollywood Bowling alley.
