Torbay MP, Kevin Foster, played the role of Father Christmas last month as he presented the latest cheques from his “Foster’s Fund” to local charities, giving their great work a real Christmas Bonus.
Foster’s Fund is based on the pledge he made before the General Election to oppose the 10% pay rise for MPs and to donate it to charity if it was implemented. The latest donations, totalling £2,500, were:
Coalition of Disabled People of South Devon: £1,000
Torbay Coast Watch: £500
Chelston Action Group: £500
Factory Row (Leonard Stocks Centre): £300
Read Easy Torbay: £200
The donations will fund a range of projects from vital new computer equipment at the Coastwatch Station on Daddyhole Plain to supporting disabled people who need advice on a range of issues. Kevin usually donates three awards totalling £1,500 each quarter, yet given a surplus in the fund he decided to make two additional donations of £500 last month.
Kevin said: “These five charities make a real difference to life in the bay from making us safer whilst at the beach or out on the water to providing advice and a listening ear for those in need. I am pleased to support the projects listed and I know they will make a real difference to the work these charities do.”
To date, Kevin has made 4 separate awards, providing grants totalling £8000 to 14 local charities, and further donations from 'Foster's Fund' will be made throughout the year.