Six local good causes have received a boost with awards totalling £2,900 to support their work, after the latest round of donations from Foster’s Fund, a scheme set up by Torbay’s MP Kevin Foster.
Foster’s Fund is based on a pledge made by Torbay’s MP when he was first elected to parliament in 2015. He pledged to not only oppose the 10% pay rise proposed for MPs at the time, but to reject it via donations to local charities if IPSA implemented it despite his objections. Kevin renewed this pledge at the last General Election in December 2019 and has promised to continue Foster’s Fund until at least the end of the current parliament. Since 2009 MPs have not voted on their own pay, with Kevin also adding last year’s 2.7% rise for MPs (Determined by IPSA, the independent body who decides MPs’ pay) to the amount donated each month.
The latest round of awards saw the following donations made: Torbay Hospital Radio (£1,000), The Shed at Chelston Workshops (£500), Hector’s House Cat Rescue (£500), CHAD – Torbay Handicapped Community Centre (£300), Torbay Bikers for Kids (£300) and Safe-Ways Torbay (£300).
Projects funded by the latest round of donations include an upgraded public address system for community events, a new lathe for craft work, funds to support a new premises for a cat charity and activities for disabled people.
Kevin Foster MP said: “It was great to be able to give a Christmas bonus to 6 local good causes who work to support the community in our bay. Foster’s Fund is not just about keeping a promise to Torbay residents, but helping highlight the work being done by many people to make a difference in our bay.”
Details about Foster’s Fund, along with details of how to apply, can be found by visiting www.kevinjfoster.com/fosters-fund or by telephoning 01803 214 989. By law any award from Foster’s Fund must be paid into the bank account of a registered charity. To be eligible for Foster’s Fund the project being funded must be based, or aiming to do most of its work, in Kevin’s Constituency.
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