LCR Cares was launched by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram  with the Community Foundation for Merseyside, with the aim of raising funds to support local organisations during the coronavirus crisis

A fund set up to provide a cash lifeline for charities and community organisations across the Liverpool city region during the coronavirus crisis has hit its £1m target.

LCR Cares was launched by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram in partnership with registered charity Community Foundation for Merseyside, with the aim of raising funds to support local organisations providing vital services to their communities.

The milestone comes as the fund received a £20,000 donation from the Daneway Foundation, which was set up three years ago by private individuals who live locally, to support disadvantaged young people across the city region.

The fund has also benefited from contributions from other charitable trusts, notably the National Emergencies Trust, local businesses, such as Home Bargains, and high-profile individuals, such as Jamie Carragher and Sir Terry Leahy, as well as hundreds of individual contributions from people across the city region.

In just over a month, LCR Cares has already distributed in excess of £674,000 to more than 150 local voluntary and community organisations. Mr Rotheram said: “Round here, we’re known for our kindness and solidarity, so when this crisis struck we were amongst the first in the country to set up this kind of fund.

“We’ve worked very hard with our partners at the Community Foundation for Merseyside and the National Emergencies Trust and I’m so pleased that we have already hit our £1m target. Even I have been blown away by the way local people have stepped up to help their communities through the Coronavirus crisis. 

“From mental health support and debt advice, to providing food and activities for vulnerable people, community organisations are doing amazing work to help their neighbours through this crisis.”