Thanks to a generous donation from Mansfield Rotary Club, a community fund to help vulnerable people is set to top £33,000.

The rotary club, which has given £1,000, is the latest to donate to Mansfield District Council’s Community Response Network fund set up to enable local charities, voluntary and community groups to continue providing vital support during the Covid-19 crisis.

Dozens of members of the public, councillors and council employees have so far contributed a total of more than £1,100.

The council itself kick-started the appeal with a pledge of £25,000, while councillors have donated £3,600 in unspent ward allowances and the Mayor has contributed £500 through his Mayor’s 500 fund. Spacehive, which is hosting the online fund, has waived its fees, contributing a further £1,500 to the pot.

This means there is only £213 needed to hit £33,000 – but the council would love to smash this target to ensure as many groups as possible receive grants to help them survive this difficult period.

The money will go directly to the organisations who are doing a fantastic job in supporting local residents with essentials such as food and medication deliveries at this difficult time.

The Mayor of Mansfield, Andy Abrahams, (pictured) said: “Thank you to Mansfield Rotary Club for their kind and generous donation to this very worthy cause.

“The council has taken action and pledged money from its own funds but we’d love the local community to come together and for organisations, businesses and individuals to contribute if their circumstances allow.

“Local charities and voluntary organisations will be needed more than ever in the coming months as the long-term social, economic and financial impacts of Covid-19 begin to have a greater effect on individuals, communities and businesses.”

Visit www.spacehive.com/mansfield-community-response-fund to pledge your support.

Groups that would like to benefit from the fund can apply online for grants of up to £2,000 at www.mansfield.gov.uk/coronavirus/fund