A Newport charity supporting vulnerable families through the coronavirus crisis has been given a £2,500 grant to provide food delivery packs for families and educational resources to children during lockdown.

KidCare4U applied for the grant from the ‘In This Together – Community Matters’ fund set up by Western Power Distribution, the electricity network operator for the area.

The fund, which is now closed, was launched to help community groups and organisations deliver urgent care and support to thousands of families across its region through these challenging times.

WPD invited applications from charities, local hospitals, community groups, parish councils and local authorities for grants of up to £10,000 to help those directly affected by the pandemic.

Rusna Begum, founder and director of the charity, said: “Many thanks to Western Power Distribution for providing funding during the Covid-19 pandemic, supporting ethnic minority families living on low income located in Newport. With your support, we will provide home packs of food and household essentials to 40 families in most need. Kidcare4U is working hard to support vulnerable families especially at this difficult time; without the support of WPD, this would not have been possible.”

In response to an urgent need for direct support, WPD has donated more than £137,000 to a range of community organisations and charities across Wales, enabling vital support and care to be delivered to people impacted by the coronavirus.

Alison Sleightholm, WPD’s resources and external affairs director, said: “Our team has worked tirelessly to get our fund running and active. I’m delighted that we‘ve been able to move quickly and support some fantastic organisations which are making a real difference to thousands of vulnerable people during the pandemic.”