Dear Ellesmere patrons and supporters,
The Covid-19 pandemic has generated an unprecedented impact on all of us and the Ellesmere Centre is not immune.
Following the lockdown period during which the main Centre remained closed, management took action to minimise costs and accepted the support available from the furlough scheme to support our staff as well as grant funding available.
These support mechanisms proved crucial in stabilising the Centre’s finances. The ongoing restrictions on use of the centre following its re-opening have resulted in revenues for the Centre being severely depleted, and, whilst the costs of operating the centre are subject to constant review to minimise, in some areas they have increased (for instance increased cleaning costs), overall are largely unaffected with the result that the Centre’s financial resources are being depleted.
At present there appears no prospect for further support of the sort provided in the early weeks of the pandemic. With no immediate prospect of restrictions easing, indeed further restrictions appear more likely to arise, the Centre needs to consider how to address an impending funding issue before matters become critical in order that the Centre can remain open for the remainder of the current crisis and resume its place at the heart of our community when normality returns. To this end, the support of local people is sought to provide donations to the Ellesmere Centre, perhaps by setting up a standing order for regular donations or by way of one off donations. This can be done via the Virgin Giving Site or contact the Centre for our bank details.
Your support for the Ellesmere Centre is, as always, hugely appreciated and any assistance you can provide will make a difference.
With thanks,
The Ellesmere Centre
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