The Foundation – the charitable arm of property development and IT business HFD Group – has pledged support for a number of initiatives in Glasgow and Lanarkshire, including the St Andrew’s Hospice in Airdrie, NSPCC Childline Glasgow, Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire and the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity COVID-19 Appeal.

While the foundation has previously raised additional funds through donations, the COVID-19 response has been financed entirely by HFD Group.

Trustees of the foundation refocussed this year’s strategy and fundraising plans following the outbreak of Covid-19, with funds concentrated towards support for local causes addressing the crisis.

The company has also joined William Grant and Sons – a neighbour at Strathclyde Business Park – to support initiatives through Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire, such as Lanarkshire Community Food and Health Partnership, which provides supplies for food banks and community hubs.

HFD has also earmarked up to £20,000 for matched funding and employee-led initiatives, to support staff with their own charitable efforts.

Kat Ovenden, trustee of The HFD Charitable Foundation, said: “We recognise that the current crisis is a challenging time for everyone, but there are organisations and people in our local communities who need extra support now, more than ever.

“It’s been great to see Scottish businesses coming together to play a role in tackling the virus, for instance, using specialist tools and equipment to help with the demand for PPE or hand sanitiser. Our view is that fast-tracking our annual contributions to the local community is the best way we can offer support.

“Our charitable foundation was set up to directly benefit local causes in Glasgow and the wider Lanarkshire area – where the majority of our business is based – and we hope to play a role in supporting some of the people most in need.”

• Read all of our articles relating to COVID-19 here.