Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s leadership welcomes Chancellor’s boost for charity sector

Bob Bowman QPM, Chief Operating Officer of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, has welcomed the announcement on Wednesday by Chancellor Rishi Sunak that a £750m package will be made available to keep struggling charities afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.

The move follows concern that some charities are facing collapse, with income shrinking because of enforced shop closures.

The measures involve cash grants direct to charities providing key services during the crisis.

As part of the scheme, £360m will be directly allocated by government departments to those charities.

Another £370m will go to small local charities, including those delivering food and essential medicines and providing financial advice.

Leeds Rhinos Foundation is the official charity of Leeds Rhinos. They deliver projects in the heart of the community by harnessing the power of sport to make a lasting, positive impact on individuals’ lives. As Leeds Rhinos’ charity they have a unique opportunity to truly change lives through sport.

The Foundation work alongside primary and secondary schools, community clubs and run holiday rugby camps, rugby festivals, community days and health and education projects year round to engage with both children and adults from all over the community. They have been able to use those connections during the coronavirus lockdown to help other local charities help some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

Bowman, who gave 29 years service to West Yorkshire Police before retirement in 2016, knows just how vital the role our front line services are playing during the lockdown. He commented, “Everyone involved with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation are very pleased to hear todays announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer of a specific support package for the country’s charity sector.

“This is not only good news for ourselves but undoubtedly much needed news for those amazing charities out in the communities of Leeds, and beyond, who are continuing to support the vulnerable, isolated, and the amazing key workers, especially our NHS.

“As the official charity of the Leeds Rhinos it as a major part of our work to utilise the power of our people, place and profile to give as much support as possible to as many charities as we can. This has become even more important as we all deal with the unprecedented challenge of Coronavirus and the Foundation is still continuing its work supporting the homeless, the hungry, the terminally ill, those at risk of abuse and many other important causes.

“This news today means that many of those ‘frontline’ charities we are keen to help, can carry on with their amazing work with a greater degree of financial certainty which is fantastic. If any charity wishes to discuss how we at the Leeds Rhinos Foundation can assist during this difficult time please contact bob.bowman@leedsrhinosfoundation.org or call 07710342052.”

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