Local charity Citizens Advice Chesterfield, which provides a range of support to thousands of residents across the town has joined EasyFundraising, which enables people to support charities simply by shopping online.
For many, Citizens Advice is the first point of call when serious life changes occur. The charity offers free, confidential, impartial, independent advice & information for problems faced by residents & their families. It also campaigns to improve policies & practices affecting people’s lives.
Easyfundraising turns everyday online shopping into free donations for a nominated cause of the customer’s choice. To do this, start your online shopping first on the easyfundraising website, then shop as normal. The site’s associated retailers will then make a small donation to the chosen charity to say “thank you”.
There are currently 4700+ retailers to choose from and so far the site has raised over £35 million for thousands of community groups, schools, sports clubs, small and large charities across the UK.
Linda Moore, chair of Citizens Advice Chesterfield said: “As lockdown began last March, Citizens Advice Chesterfield completely changed delivery of services virtually overnight, with staff and some volunteers all working from home. At the same time demand for support increased. In the last quarter enquiries about loss of income, lack of food and loss of employment has increased by 29%.
“At the same time all fundraising events, including a Midsummer Ball and our increasingly popular Town Hall Abseil have been cancelled. We feel we can’t approach businesses which supported us in the past when they themselves are struggling with lockdown pressures.
“So we are trying Easyfundraising. Both individuals and businesses can sign up. Simply load up the Easyfundraising App, nominate “Citizens Advice Chesterfield” as your chosen charity, look for your favourite retailers and start shopping. A percentage from each sale is donated to us and it costs you nothing. It couldn’t be easier. And the more people sign up the better for us. It’s an easy way to help us help local residents.”
Citizens Advice Chesterfield supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.