A new fund has been launched to help provide financial support to organisations and charities struggling from the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

The 'Merton Giving Coronavirus Fund', aims to provide support to those delivering frontline services and to organisations that have been directly impacted.

Fundraising efforts from the Merton business community alongside team sponsored events have raised £20,000 for the Merton Giving Fund.

The tremendous amount was recognised by, Wimbledon Foundation and Clarion Futures, with each pledging, £20,000 in matched donations.

Merton Council has also committed to a generous £50,000 donation.

Diana Sterck, Chair of Merton Giving said: “The importance of cross-sector collaboration has never been so important at this time when we are all facing challenges that just a few short weeks ago seemed unimaginable.

“We are appreciative that Wimbledon Foundation and Clarion Futures and Merton Council have responded to increase the fund.”

Councillor Edith Macauley said: “The army of volunteers that have mobilised to support our most vulnerable residents in this time of national crisis has been nothing short of amazing.

“We are truly blessed in Merton to have such a wonderful and vibrant voluntary and community sector.

“It is therefore right that as a council we should step forward to support the voluntary sector when it needs our help.

“I’m very pleased to be able to offer the Council’s financial assistance and to do this in partnership with other funders through Merton Giving.”

The team will allocate emergency funds in the coming weeks.

To find out more visit at https://www.mvsc.co.uk/MGCoronavirusFund