THE Machynlleth Solidarity Community Fund (MSCF) to help people and businesses deal with the effects of the pandemic, continues to go from strength to strength.

On Friday, December 4, volunteers for the fund put together a meal to raise money at the Braich Goch Inn in Corris.

A spokesman said: “Thanks to the Braich Goch – home of the Food Justice For All initiative providing free or pay-as-you-feel takeaways every week during the pandemic. The talented chefs designed a menu with lentil, spinach and aubergine stew, chickpea and vegetable koftas, and brownies for pudding.

“The feedback has been fantastic, and people gave generously, raising over £750 for the fund. Thank you to the Braich Goch Inn and to all the team involved."

The fund has also released a calendar with the theme Cymuned yw Popeth - Community is Everything.

Each month of 2021 features a community project, local business, or individuals.

The spokesman added: “The calendar was a real team effort in itself, so thanks go to all the translators, volunteers, and featured community legends.

“The MCSF was set up by four volunteers in April 2020, and excitingly we now are a team of nine.

“We have redistributed over £8,000 to people experiencing financial hardship.

“We believe that our fund should not exist - we should all be able to put food on the table, pay for bills and rent, and comfortably meet our needs.

“People have experienced inequality and poverty for generations before the pandemic, and this has only been intensified this year. This must change.

“In the meantime, thanks to the generosity and care of local residents and businesses in our community, we have raised over £18,000.

“Big hearted, caring communities like ours are helping each other out all over the UK. If we can draw one lesson from 2020, it’s that the love within our community is strong and people want to help each other - even if the Government is failing to do so.

“Looking ahead to 2021, we are open for grants of up to £100 for anyone experiencing financial hardship in Machynlleth and places listed on our website.

“We will be closed between December 30 and January 4.”