TENS of thousands of pounds has been raised to support businesses, foodbanks and creatives in Glasgow.
In the face of an unprecedented situation amid the outbreak of coronavirus, Glaswegians have dug deep to make sure those feeling the brunt of social distancing measures do not miss out.
Using the power of online fundraisers - including GoFundMe and Crowdfunder - businesses are able to receive donations from their loyal followers to help them through the difficult times.
In one example, more than £5300 has been raised in under 48 hours for ‘Wan Mair Tune’ - a fund for Scottish creatives affected by the pandemic.
Megan Tyler, who set up the fund, says freelancers whose lifeline gigs have been slashed will need the extra help - “be it for scran or the lecky”.
She hopes to raise £10,000 on GoFundMe to split between 50 freelance artists.
She added: “It’s not a massive amount, we know, but for some people, it might just keep the wolves from the door for another month.
“The gig economy we currently exist in was fragile at the best of times, but in these unprecedented times, it’s starting to collapse with no safety net.”
READ MORE: Coronavirus: 71 cases in Glasgow as Scotland jumps to 266 with six dead
Almost £5000 has been raised for Peek-A-Chew, a food van delivering healthy meals to children, young people and families during the outbreak.
The campaign was backed by Glasgow Central MP Alison Thewliss, who wrote: “Lots of families will struggle to eat during the coronavirus outbreak.
“If you can spare a few pounds to help the Peek project run their community food truck, please do.”
Meanwhile Stina Tweeddale, of local band Honeyblood, has raised more than £700 to support their music - with half the cash going to ‘Help Musicians Scotland’.
READ MORE: Coronavirus: 2020 exam season cancelled over pandemic
As a thank you, she is also putting on live gigs via streaming platforms to keep people entertained during self-isolation.
Elsewhere, The Clutha Bar in Glasgow - which was devastated by the helicopter crash in November 2013, is also asking the public for support.
More than £200 has been raised for owner Alan Crossan’s fund after it closed its doors on Tuesday.
Alan said: “Our main concern after closing is now out staff and what we can do to help our local community.
READ MORE: Coronavirus scammers trying to con Dennistoun residents
“If you can donate it will be for two specific purposes - to help pay staff wages to at least a level that they can survive, and to keep open the Clutha kitchen to help supply warm food to the most vulnerable in society.”
John Coventry, International Director at GoFundMe, said: “They say when scary things happen you should look for the helpers, and the early signs are that people are already coming together to make sure that health workers, people in less secure jobs and those who may have to self-isolate are looked after. “
Meanwhile the Scottish Government has announced £2.2 billion of measures from April 1 to help firms across the country - including £10,000 grants for small businesses - to help lessen the impact.
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel