Star comment: Cash for causes is here again

And we want to support them in a way that counts.

Last year we launched the Shropshire Star Cash For Your Community scheme. Salopians know a good thing when they see it, and it was a huge success, and oversubscribed.

For those who missed out, there is good news. We are running it again, once more in partnership with Shrewsbury-based Enterprise Flex-e-Rent.

Basically we are sitting on a £20,000 pot of cash and want to give it to good causes – charities, community groups, and other organisations. Groups in Shropshire and Mid Wales have until February 13 to apply.

There is much that can be accomplished through community spirit and goodwill. Yet at the end of the day, money talks – but never quite as loudly as the lack of money.

For the volunteers who invest so much of their time and commitment, there is often that frustration of being so near, yet so far, to achieving a goal. It is like building a bridge but never being able to fund that final span.

That is one situation where our fund could make all the difference. We want to hear from charities, community groups, and other voluntary organisations, and have them apply for a share of this cash.

We take pride in being a newspaper of the community, for the community, and this is a direct way in which we can pump something into the life and vitality of the place we all live, and show our gratitude to those who do so much good work in our towns and villages.

There are going to be up to 50 groups who will be in the money, and there is a mechanism which will see those who generate the most public support getting the biggest share, although all will get at least £50.

Biggest single award last year was £2,460 to Wellington Cottage Care Trust, so it is going to be really worthwhile for groups to bid.

Fundraising is generally one of the biggest challenges any community group faces. What we are offering is a genuine giveaway. You will find the full details elsewhere in tonight's paper. It is an opportunity which is surely too good to miss.

So, let's hear from you. Your groups deserve it for all that you are doing to make Shropshire and Mid Wales the places that they are.

• Visit our partners Enterprise Flex-E-Rent's website here at www.flexerent.co.uk