Since its launch on Friday 1 May 2020, the hardship fund has so far raised an incredible quarter of a million pounds (£250,021) thanks to donations from members of the public, business people and donations of £100,000 from the Seven Incorporated Trades Widows’ Charity and £100,000 from Aberdeen City Council via the Common Good Fund.

Trustees met last week to consider 20 applications from which the 10 local registered charities were successful in what was the second round of allocation of funding.

Grants range from £150 to £10,000 and all money will go directly to supporting vulnerable and at-risk groups including people experiencing poverty or ill health, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, unemployed people, children and young persons, older people and others affected by the pandemic.

The first round of funding saw a total of £161,596 being awarded to 24 registered charities in Aberdeen, which supported approximately 3,640 individuals and 630 families with over 5,000 food parcels and 20,000 meals being provided.

Barney Crockett, The Lord Provost of Aberdeen, said: “Thanks to the continued generosity shown by ordinary local folk and big business to the Aberdeen COVID-19 hardship fund we have been able to award a further £41,074 to 10 local charities which will enable them to support those in desperate need as a result of the pandemic. It’s amazing to think how much has been achieved in such a short time.

“On behalf of The Lord Provost’s Charitable Trust I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has contributed. As this is Volunteers’ Week, I’d like to take the opportunity to acknowledge and thank the volunteers who are doing such a fantastic job in such difficult circumstances. Each and every one of them is a hero.”

Mervyn Donald, deacon convenor, The Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen, added: “We would like to say a huge thank you to the individuals, businesses and groups who have donated to the Aberdeen Covid-19 Hardship Fund. Without their generosity, we simply would not have been able to reach as many charities as we have. To the charities themselves, we are in awe of the work that they have been carrying out during such an unprecedented time. The hard work and kindness that these charities have shown have and will continue to impact so many families within Aberdeen.”

Charities that received funding in the first round of funding allocation have spoken of their appreciation.

Chrisetta Mitchell, development manager, The Leanne Fund, said: “The Leanne Fund are very grateful to have received this funding through the Lord Provost’s Hardship Fund to support individuals affected by Cystic Fibrosis in Grampian with fitness equipment to enable them to maintain their fitness while they must shield at home due to heightened risk from COVID 19.

“This generous funding has been very important for our organisation and has made a significant impact on the number of young people with Cystic Fibrosis that we have been able to support.”

Alison Barr, chief executive, Team Jak Foundation, commented: “Team Jak are honoured to have been supported by the Lord Provost’s Charitable Trust Covid-19 hardship fund to provide food boxes, games, crafts and Worry Monsters and emotional resources to our inspirational children with cancer in Aberdeen and the surrounding area at this time.

“One of the real highlights for us has been to have one of our Aberdeen warriors join us from her hospital bed and her sibling from their home many miles away for our online Games sessions during this time. This is so special as not only can she interact with her brother from home she can feel like she is participating in ‘normal’ activities with others going through a similar journey and relax, have fun and be herself. Thank you so much to the Lord Provost’s Charitable Trust hardship fund for your support for our Aberdeen families.”

Donations are still being sought and a special crowdfunding page allows anyone anywhere to donate to the cause.

Any organisation or individual wishing to discuss making a sizable donation can email lordprovost@aberdeencity.gov.uk marking it for the attention of Garry Watson, clerk to The Lord Provost’s Charitable Trust.

100% of all donations received will go directly to helping those experiencing genuine hardship in Aberdeen due to COVID-19.

The closing date for the third round of applications is 11.59pm on Tuesday 30 June and the Lord Provost’s Charitable Trust will meet in July to review the latest submissions.

Charities that wish to make an application for funding should go to the website for further information and advice.

The trust is keen to support particular groups that are at risk and may not be getting support elsewhere and would ask applicants to highlight if they plan to support Looked After Children, care experienced and vulnerable young adults at risk or minority communities facing financial difficulties in Aberdeen.

The special hardship fund is a partnership between The Lord Provost’s Charitable Trust, The Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen and Aberdeen City Council.

The hardship fund was created following a request to the Lord Provost of Aberdeen Barney Crockett, from The Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen and a local businessman, for the Charitable Trust, to be used as a vehicle to create a hardship fund for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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