Titan-ic effort to help Rotherham charities

Launched last week, the scheme is asking businesses and individuals to make a New Year resolution to give to the town's grassroot charities and worthy causes.

Rotherham Titans and the Chamber of Commerce were quick to champion the cause, which could see every pound raised matched by the Government as part of the national Grassroots Grant scheme.

South Yorkshire Community Foundation has spearheaded the campaign which will see all money raised in Rotherham staying in Rotherham, giving a much-needed boost to the town's many groups.

Richard Finney, chief executive of the Titans Community Foundation, said: “The Foundation supports many Rotherham charities and organisations, many of which are smaller groups that provide much-needed assistance, in a variety of ways, to communities and individuals.

“Titans fans are well-known for their generosity and willingness to help others less fortunate than themselves.”

John Lewis, chief executive of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are delighted to support I love Rotherham as the business community, through its local chamber, works on behalf of everyone in our borough.

"We will encourage local businesses to raise money through the campaign, not only because the local causes make such a difference to people's lives but because for every £1 raised by businesses the government also makes an equal contribution on top, so it is a win-win for the community."

The next big date in the campaign's calendar is February 12 when the town is being ask to come together for an I Love Rotherham day.

Paul Benington, from the South Yorkshire Community Foundation, said: "We are asking people to get involved with a variety of initiatives, whether it be a dress-down day at their workplace or a sponsored walk at school.

"Rotherham people are some of the most generous in the country and what we are finding at the moment is that there is still a huge commitment to helping other people."

South Yorkshire Community Foundation helps to set up charitable funds that support community groups at a grass roots level. Last year the Community Foundation awarded more than £2.5 million in grants.

The Grassroots Grants scheme is a three-year programme, now in its second year.

Thanks to the charity meeting its fund-raising targets last year, Rotherham has already been allocated an extra £85,000 for grass-roots causes which will be doubled, pound for pound, if the town can match the figure itself.

A further £250,000 could be in its way to the town if people in Rotherham can hit this year's fund-raising target.

For more information or to receive your free I Love Rotherham official supporter poster, e-mail SYCF at infosycf.org.uk.