Lieutenant Colonel Edward Marvin has been appointed as director of the Community Foundation for Shropshire and Telford, which secures grants to improve the lives of people in communities across the county.
The charity, based on Old Potts Way in Shrewsbury, has also welcomed a new administrator Mandy Jones, from Bayston Hill and grants officer,Tina Wade from Berriew.
Two new trustees have also joined the foundation including Martin Stevens, assistant clerk to the Lieutenancy of Shropshire and David Tudor, development director at St Chads in Shrewsbury.
Mr Marvin today said he hoped the charity would be helping more people than ever before when it celebrates its 21st anniversary next year.
The Foundation urgently needs the support of donors and supporters throughout Shropshire and Telford.
“I would ask people to think of their contribution to the Community Foundation as an endowment or legacy to their community.
“We are trying to grow a fund to improve the lives of people across Shropshire. We already have grants available which is fantastic – it represents life changing money for community groups,” he said.
“Our projects do transform areas and encourage communities to grow and develop. Communities can also support themselves by investing in their area and contributing to their various local groups.
“We have got big plans for the Community Foundation and it is certainly going to be an exciting 12 months. I would urge any businesses that can help in any way to be a part of this.”
The Community Foundation sources grants from external organisations and relies heavily on donations from the business and private sectors to enhance the quality of life for disadvantaged or vulnerable members of the community.
Mr Marvin said the Fair Share trust grant for Donnington was a “brilliant” example of their work. This Big Lottery funded grant has invested over £800,000 over the past 10 years enabling all sorts of small and large local projects including the Donnington Skateboard Park.
Anyone interested in donating or getting involved in the Community Foundation should visit www.cfshropshireandtelford.org.uk or e-mail contact@cfshropshireandtelford.org.uk.
