A newly launched CAF Community Chest Fund is providing a financial boost to charity, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations across the UK.
Committed to making a positive difference to the communities in which it operates, CAF has donated thousands of pounds to 14 clubs and groups that improve the lives of local people. CAF Rail UK is supporting 11 projects in England and Northern Ireland and CAF Rolling Stock UK is funding three in Wales
All the successful beneficiaries were nominated by CAF employees who needed to demonstrate how their chosen organisation is addressing inequalities or supporting and developing local communities.
CAF assessed the applications against three key criteria: socio-economic scale of the organisation’s location; the difference funding will make to the organisation; and the impact the funding will have on the community.
The successful projects include youth football and basketball teams, boxing and community bowls clubs, a swimming club, a disability support charity and Guiding and Scouting organisations.
The funding is being spent in a variety of ways including purchasing new kit and training equipment, buying craft supplies, covering training costs for team coaches and referees, installing accessible seating and ensuring children are included in activities, regardless of their background or financial situation.
“Implementing the Community Chest Fund as a community benefit is a great achievement as it cements CAF’s commitment to do better by people beyond its product,” comments CAF Social Value Manager Kimberley Sweet-Roberts.
“The funds will help resource, grow and sustain existing smaller community organisations whose activities provide people with a feeling of respite from day-to-day life – which, in the longer term, helps build stronger, more connected and resilient communities.
“It fills us with pride that CAF is able to be a facilitator of the greatness that’s in play across the UK.”
One of the CAF Community Chest Fund beneficiaries, Cheshire Roar Women’s Basketball Club, based in Chester, supports women and girls to reach a competitive level and relies heavily on donations and fundraising.
“The club’s main aim is to get as many young girls playing and enjoying basketball as we can and the money will enable us to secure a level two coaching course ensuring our junior team will have the best training to play at national league level,” says Jessica Johnston, Cheshire Roar Juniors Coach.
Another, 10th Scunthorpe Scout Group in North Lincolnshire, used part of its funds to help bring down the cost of a bowling party to enable all children to attend and to buy a uniform for a youngster whose parents are struggling financially.
“This generous donation goes a long way to ensuring all members of the group can take part in the activities we offer by keeping our costs low and affordable for parents who want their child to gain the full experience from scouting,” explains Saul Coupland.
While Staffordshire’s Tamworth Indoor Bowls Club, which has a diverse membership, has used the money to install accessible seating.
“The donation is very much appreciated and will be spent on much-needed new spectator seating, enabling our local community and other visiting clubs to be safe and comfortable,” says Christopher Payne, Director of Tamworth Indoor Bowls Club.
Monkstown Boxing Club, in Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, consulted with the 200 young people it works with to determine what items to buy with the CAF donation including pickle ball and badminton equipment.
“We can’t thank CAF enough for their support to obtain new sports equipment,” comments Sports Leader and Youth Worker Rab.
“The young people are loving the new games and sports we can offer. It opens up more opportunities to engage young people who may not want to participate in boxing, helping them find a safe place to have fun, improve fitness and their overall health.”
Also in Northern Ireland, Ballynanich charity Harry’s Mates provides a social space for adults with learning disabilities and purchased a gaming console, steering wheel and games to support members’ cognitive and physical development.
“We are incredibly grateful to CAF for their generous donation,” says Harry’s Mates joint founder Gareth Little.
“As a charity, getting funding for ‘treats’ for the mates can be difficult and we love seeing how much fun everyone gets from playing the games together.”
West Kirby United Football Club Under 14s, in Liverpool, supports individuals facing socio-economic barriers and used the money to buy a specially designed training jacket.
“We are so grateful for the donation from CAF. Our boys are very proud to represent our club and local community and the professional and personalised jackets will give them both protection from the elements during training and pre-match warm-ups and a real sense of belonging to the team and club,” says Team Coach Rob Mackay.
CAF will be organising a second Community Chest Fund initiative in 2024.
The full list of CAF Community Chest Fund beneficiaries:
· Monkstown Boxing Club, Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland
· Carnmoney Football Club, Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland
· Harry’s Mates/Harry’s Place, Ballynahinch, Northern Ireland; providing economic and creative development opportunities for adults with Learning Disabilities
· Wattsville Football Club, Wales
· Caldicot Town Football Club, Wales
· Torfaen Dolphins, Wales; swimming club
· Tamworth Indoor Bowls Club, Staffordshire
· 5th Tipton Girlguiding, West Midlands
· Kewford Eagles Football Club, Kingswinford, West Midlands
· West Didsbury & Chorlton Veterans Football Club, Manchester
· Cheshire Roar Women’s Basketball Club, Chester
· 26th Picton (Childwall) Scout Group, Liverpool
· West Kirby United Football Club Under 14s, Liverpool
· 10th Scunthorpe Scout Group, Lincolnshire
