Mayor of Basildon introduces his charity appeal to local businesses

18 Jul Mayor of Basildon introduces his charity appeal to local businesses

Social isolation and vulnerable groups are top of the agenda for the Mayor of Basildon, Councillor David Burton-Sampson, who met with local businesses last week (11 July) to introduce them to his fundraising activities and explain why they are important to him.

The Mayor’s Charity Appeal will work closely with the Jo Cox Foundation, set up after the murder of Jo Cox MP in 2016, to tackle the loneliness and isolation that can be felt by individuals from all walks of life.

“The mantra of the foundation is ‘more in common’ and I really do believe that we have more in common with each other if we can just break down some of the barriers that separate us,” said Councillor Burton-Sampson.

“Whether it’s providing physical and emotional support to elderly residents to help them get out of the house more, or providing more opportunities for local residents to get together, I’m pleased to partner with the Jo Cox Foundation to help bring our communities together and celebrate all that unites us.”

The Mayor’s Charity Appeal will also set up a community fund, designed to support smaller community groups in the borough. Groups will be able to apply for funding toward projects that support vulnerable members of their local community.

The Mayor added: “I would like to thank the local businesses who met with me last week and also Metro Bank in Basildon for hosting our networking event.

“Our borough is rich in businesses who are already actively involved in their communities and it was great to find out how they are doing that and hear their suggestions on how they will support the Mayor’s Charity Appeal over the coming year.”

“This is about bringing everyone in our communities together, celebrating the similarities we share and building a legacy of kindness and support which lasts for years to come.”