Carrick Futures was pleased to offer a grant to RNLI, Girvan Lifeboat Station and Barr Stores from their Covid-19 Emergency Fund which was set up in April 2020 to support activities by local community organisations which have been affected by the pandemic.
Barr Stores is a community owned shop and café in the remote rural village of Barr in South West Scotland. The shop was awarded a grant of £1,000 from Carrick Futures Covid-19 Emergency Fund to contribute to the Stores’ staff and running costs during the pandemic.
Barr Stores has been forced to close the café due to the pandemic, which has resulted in a significant loss of income - spring and summer are the busiest months for the café and closure of this part of the business will have a significant effect on the income of the store.
As the nearest alternative shop is over seven miles away, Barr Stores is a vital facility within the village and has been central to supporting the community since the start of the pandemic. Volunteers have been distributing food and basics to the elderly and vulnerable who have been self-isolating and unable to venture out of their homes.
Matt Cross, Chair of Barr Stores, responding to the award said:
"The pandemic has led to a huge surge in support for the shop, with new volunteers coming forward to staff the shop and to make deliveries to vulnerable residents. This funding from Carrick Futures has enabled that volunteer effort to continue and will help keep our community safe, healthy and thriving.”
Girvan Lifeboat Station received a grant of £2,000 which will support the purchase of PPE equipment, to be used by the volunteer crew.
Covid-19 has made an already hazardous operating environment even more difficult and dangerous for the volunteers with the heightened risk of infection. Rescue workers require close physical contact with a casualty and Covid-19 has meant that new PPE and hygiene requirements are required to maintain the rescue service in a safe manner.
Michael Charlton, RNLI, Marketing Lead quoted:
“This grant will enable the volunteer crew to stay safe during this Covid19 crisis by ensuring that they have PPE to help reduce the risk of infection. As a charity, the RNLI is reliant on the kindness of public donations and we are delighted with the support from Carrick Futures. On behalf of RNLI Girvan Lifeboat station, I wish to thank Carrick Futures for their generous donation towards our lifesaving service.”
