COMMUNITY groups across North Yorkshire are to benefit from their share of more than £90,000 raised through the Localgiving.com match fund campaign.

Localgiving.com has helped rural charities in North Yorkshire raise the cash over the last 12 months through an initiative aimed at helping local groups get online to fundraise through digital skills training and access to match funds. Among the top ten charities that raised the most during the most recent match funding period were:

• Whixley & District Community Cricket Club, which raised £11,248 for its work providing opportunities for young people, aged seven – 21, to participate in the sport

• £6,971 was raised by Clarence Gardens Association in York, which provides a day service for people with mental health issues and learning disabilities

• Burniston & Cloughton Bowls Club, based in Scarborough, raised £5,153. The group offers a friendly environment for all age groups as well as partially -sighted and disabled players to take part in bowling

• York Tornadoes Basketball Club in York raised £4,710 for its work providing an affordable and safe environment for people of all abilities to play basketball in the area

•£4,095 was raised by the Borough Bowling Club in Scarborough, which offers a friendly bowling club for all ages and abilities lThe Scarborough YMCA which provides opportunities for people to develop skills and self-confidence through a range of activities raised £3,135.

The scheme was funded by a grant from the Peter Sowerby Foundation which was established in 2011 with an multi-million pound endowment by GP and medical entrepreneur Dr Peter Sowerby. Marcelle Speller, CEO and chairman of Localgiving.com, said: “This is a fantastic result for local charities and community groups across North Yorkshire.”

OverIn the past year Localgiving.com has givendelivered 14 training workshops to 136 charities in every district in North Yorkshire.