Last updated at 23:03, Thursday, 01 April 2010

WORKINGTON contracting company Stobbarts has launched a charitable fund to support causes in Cumbria.

CHARITY move: Stobbart managing director John Stobbart, left, and financial director Robert Cooper present a founding donation to Elaine Wise, of Cumbria Community Foundation

The fund was established at Cumbria Community Foundation with a donation of £11,000 and will be topped up to £25,000.

Managing director John Stobbart said: “We want to make a contribution to the prosperity and well being of our communities.

“We already donate a substantial amount each year to charities and sponsor a number of sports teams and events.

“But we wanted a more planned and sustainable approach, which this new fund will provide.”

All donations by the company before March next year will benefit from an extra 50 per cent government match funding through the Grassroots Endowment scheme, an incentive open to all businesses and individuals making charitable donations this year.

Andy Beeforth, Community Foundation director, said: “The Grassroots scheme means there's never been a better time to set up a charitable fund.

“We hope that the example by Stobbarts will encourage more firms to come forward and invest in their communities, particularly at this time when the need for support is increasing.”

Launched in 1999, the foundation is dedicated to improving community life by making grants to local charities and managing funds on behalf of companies, individuals

Stobbarts employees recently raising over £4,000 for the Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund with the sale of their Naked Truth calendar.

First published at 19:29, Thursday, 01 April 2010
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk