As more charities and voluntary groups benefit from the Mayor’s 500 Fund in Mansfield, Mayor Andy Abrahams has urged other good causes to come forward and benefit from the funding and exposure.

He set up the fund after pledging last year to donate 30 per cent of his salary to charitable causes. The Mayor’s 500 Fund provides a £500 donation to voluntary groups in need to enable them to begin or continue community projects in the town.

The Mayor said: “The Mayor’s 500 Fund is not just about giving money to local groups, but about shining a light on them. I want to get their story out there in the hope that it acts as a catalyst for other people and organisations to pledge their support.”

Recently he presented three cheques to good causes – the Extra Care Baby Bank, Mansfield Food Bank and Ladybrook Community Centre.

“It was great to do and hear of all the ways the money is being used within the community,” the mayor added.

“Kim Tucker is a young mother of two, who saw the need within the community to set up an Extra Care Baby Bank. The baby bank has been a huge success, accepting many donations from around the district.

“Kim and her volunteers have helped many families in need with not only baby essentials, but with bedding, cots, mattresses and school uniform. Kim is currently overrun with donations from your kindness and is looking for any assistance in storing items as her living room is at breaking point. If anyone could help, please let us know.

“I enjoyed my time with the volunteers at Mansfield Food Bank. It was great to see how this food bank serves the community.

“My £500, although gratefully, received does not cover much in the way of their expenses. The volunteers work so hard to maintain their Thursday food bank and again rely on local businesses and generosity to survive.

“My final stop was with Sharon Reynolds, who runs the Ladybrook Community Centre. This cheque was to support just one of the many projects run from the centre, the impact group.

“This group is important to the district as it supports residents suffering or who have suffered with cancer, along with their loved ones. The group have been particularly crucial within Covid-19, a real lifeline for sufferers.

mayor’s Fund