We are raising funds to support individuals and families in the parish of Shere (Shere, Gomshall, Peaslake, Holmbury St Mary, Abinger) who, due to Covid-19 and the resulting crisis have lost their earnings and can now not afford food and household essentials. We have named this campaign The Village Larder.

In early April, just two weeks into the lockdown, we were alerted to the growing need and worry in the parish from families who, unused to seeking assistance, now find themselves temporarily so financially challenged that they cannot afford basic provisions.

At the same time The Henry Smith Fund - Shere, a long-established local charity with the purpose of providing financial assistance to people living within the parish, stepped forward to help with the initiative. The HSF is the official charity through which this fundraising is channelled and the Chairman, Keith Childs, together with the other Trustees, will be responsible for assessing eligibility of applicants and distributing funds. All applications will be treated in a completely confidential manner.

The funds are provided to those in need as a bank transfer on a weekly basis (or vouchers) and represent the money they need to spend on groceries for their household, it is not intended to replace Universal Credit, but is a bridge between their immediate need and the time it takes for government funds to be received.

We encourage local families and individuals to support the campaign either via this JustGiving page or with a rolling weekly or monthly donation during the crisis direct to the Henry Smith Fund -Shere (see Facebook for details). As a benchmark The Village Larder offers an adult around £25 a week and a child £20 a week for food and household essentials.

No one is making any profit out of this campaign and any surplus funds after the initiative ends will be divided between the causes that would normally be supported by village fundraising events and the local Food Banks.

For further information please visit us on Facebook page #TheVillageLarderShere