Carrick Futures recently donated to two local causes.

RNLI Girvan Lifeboat Station and Barr Stores will benefit from their COVID-19 Emergency Fund, which was set up in April 2020 to support activities by local community organisations which have been affected by the pandemic.

Barr Stores is a community-owned shop and café in the remote village.

The shop was awarded a grant of £1,000 from Carrick Futures COVID-19 Emergency Fund to contribute to the staff and running costs during the pandemic.

Barr Stores has been forced to close the café due to the pandemic, which has resulted in a significant loss of income – spring and summer are the busiest months for the café.

As the nearest alternative shop is over seven miles away, Barr Stores is a vital facility within the village and has been central to supporting the community since the start of the pandemic. Volunteers have been distributing food and basics to the elderly and vulnerable who have been self-isolating and unable to venture out of their homes.

Matt Cross, Chair of Barr Stores said: “The pandemic has led to a huge surge in support for the shop, with new volunteers coming forward to staff the shop and to make deliveries to vulnerable residents.

“This funding from Carrick Futures has enabled that volunteer effort to continue and will help

keep our community safe, healthy and thriving.”

Girvan Lifeboat Station received a grant of £2,000 which will support the purchase of PPE equipment, to be used by the volunteer crew.

COVID-19 has made an already hazardous operating environment even more difficult and dangerous for the volunteers with the heightened risk of infection.

Rescue workers require close physical contact with a casualty and COVID-19 has meant that new PPE and hygiene requirements are required to maintain the rescue service in a safe manner.