A crowdfunding site has been set up by a Kent council to attract donations for charities helping with the coronavirus response.

The Swale Community Response, started by Swale council, is asking people to donate £10,000 to support community groups and organisations helping vulnerable people to stay safe at home.

The fundraising page is asking for £11,040 but a spokesman confirmed only £10,000 is being raised with the additional amount added as fees for the website.

The spokesman confirmed the firm running the fundraising page has waived the fee by donating the usual charge.

He confirmed the fundraising is not being used in place of local government funding and the council is co-ordinating the effort.

Swale council's cabinet member for community, Cllr Richard Palmer (Swale Ind), said: "There are thousands of people across the borough who have been told they need to isolate at home for 12 weeks because they are more likely to need hospital treatment if they catch coronavirus.

"Most have a network of support who can help with delivering food and essential supplies.

"Unfortunately, many don’t, which is where we and a small army of volunteers, are stepping in to help.

"The voluntary and community groups helping us with food parcels, collecting shopping, and picking up prescriptions, are under huge pressure and need all of our support.

"If you are able to, even a small donation will help them continue their work."

It is understood Swale has already received £72,000 in government cash to help its response to Covid-19.

A further £32.6 million has been made available so the authority can distribute grants to small businesses in the borough.

It is estimated 2,591 businesses might be eligible for the grants.

So far, about £12 million has been handed out to 1,026 firms.

Donating to the cause, Cllr Mike Whiting (Con), said: "Happy to support this effort by Swale Borough Council.

"There is an enormous amount of voluntary work going on in the the area and I am sure all donations to the Swale Community Response will make a real difference to those most in need."

Meanwhile, Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP – Gordon Henderson – wrote on the site: "I hope my donation to the Swale Community Response will encourage other members of the public to do likewise."

Visit www.spacehive.com/swalecommunityresponse to donate.

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