IT goes without saying that, like the rest of the country, 2020 has been a rather turbulent year which has left the Imperial Charity on a bit of a cliff edge.
Prior to the introduction of Covid-19 restrictions, the charity say they were struggling, like many others, to survive in difficult trading conditions, so the imposition of restrictions really knocked them back.
They report, “On re-opening, due to the herculean efforts of staff and volunteers, we were just starting to see a very little light at the end of the tunnel. When the second lockdown came along, it realistically has set us back to the start again.”
“As a result of the virus restrictions, the charity had to cancel this year’s coach trips which was a huge disappointment to many people. We also had to curtail providing entertainers in the care and nursing homes , and the closing of schools meant that we were unable to provide grants for that period. Perhaps the biggest disappointment to come is the annual New Year show and party has had to be cancelled as well.”
Despite all this negativity, business manager Bob Summerfield said they are still cautiously optimistic that the charity can pull through and survive.
The trustees are looking at other avenues that the charity can support if social distancing rules continue to be imposed. It is looking as though greater emphasis will be placed on grants to special needs schools and perhaps helping more individuals in the community. Staff and volunteers are all up for the challenges ahead and are hoping there will be no further lockdowns, and we can all move forward with renewed confidence.
Below: Carmen (standing) and Sandra (kneeling) putting the finishing touches to displays before re-opening the shop.
