basis.point and Irish Funds launch COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund

In a show of solidarity, basis.point and Irish Funds have joined forces to raise much needed funds to help disadvantaged communities as they struggle with the impact of the COVID-19 crisis. These are difficult times. The vulnerable in society will suffer disproportionately as a result of this health crisis.

Two weeks ago, we set ourselves a goal of raising a minimum of €100,000. We have been heartened by the wonderful response from individuals and corporates alike who have made such generous donations. As the true nature of the crisis unfolds we can see that the need for support amongst the most vulnerable in society, far outstrips what we had set out to provide. With this in mind, encouraged by what we have collectively achieved so far, we are raising the goal to €200,000

Many of our existing Patrons including Brown Brothers Harriman, BNP Paribas, Carne Group, KB Associates, Lord, Abbett & Co. LLC, Maples Group, Pyrford International, RBC Investor & Treasury Services, Northern Trust Corporation, have all been quick to support us.

We are unsure how long this crisis will last. Speed is of the essence. We can only deliver the necessary support once the funds come in.

Commenting on behalf of the Maples Group, Patrick Quinlan said “We are delighted to come on board as a seed funder of this crucial industry wide initiative. Through joining forces with basis.point and by coordinating our giving through an Emergency Relief Fund, we can alleviate many of the additional anxieties faced by the most vulnerable in our society throughout this crisis”.

Make a difference immediately

We have identified some projects that can immediately make a difference and Irish Funds have committed to helping us spread the word and amplify our appeal.

Our existing partner Early Learning Initiative are working tirelessly to adapt their home visit services which we are funding to deliver them remotely. We will fund additional play mats, toys and books for pre-school children living in homeless, emergency and overcrowded accommodation, who will then be supported remotely by telephone or video by a trained family support worker.

The Belvedere Youth Club is well established in the North Dublin Inner City will prepare and deliver 80 hot meals a day to the families of very vulnerable children who normally attend their breakfast and afterschool club. Many of these children are living in inadequate homeless accommodation which do not have the facilities to prepare hot food – this will be their only access to a hot meal each day.

And thirdly, the Peter McVerry Trust work with families impacted by homelessness. They have 14 family hubs across Dublin, Kildare, Louth and Meath, supporting 102 families and 223 children. They would like to supply age appropriate activity packs to help families to keep children occupied and manage boredom in their suites. The Peter McVerry Trust provides 14 family hub services across Dublin, Kildare, Louth and Meath and are currently supporting 102 families.

Donate today

If you think your organisation can help please contact Edel O’Malley at eomalley@basispoint.ie

This fund will be a once-off emergency fund to offer practical and emotional support to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people and families in our society. We will use every penny donated, to help those who actually need it. And thanks to our existing relationships within the community, we can ensure that this happens immediately.

• €20 can help restore emotional wellbeing by providing age appropriate activity packs for children
• €50 will help reduce parental anxiety for vulnerable families, providing a safe and clean play mat for babies and toddlers and daily telephone support
• €100 will keep a family nourished providing a hot meal once a day for a week
• €500 will ease both financial and emotional challenges for a family for a full month

Help us reach our target
You can donate directly to our Just Giving basis.point and Irish Funds COVID 19 Emergency Relief Fund and please contact us here directly, if your organisation would like to get involved.The vulnerable in society will suffer disproportionately as a result of this health crisis. We all need to play a part in stopping this inequality from becoming even more stark. Thank you sincerely for taking action. By joining together, coordinating our giving and channelling our resources, we can help meet the needs of children and families at this time of crisis.

Please help us to go the extra mile.