THE Merchants House of Glasgow, a social enterprise charity with a 400-year-old history, today announced that it will continue to play a key role in supporting Charities during and following the Covid-19 crisis.

Chair of the Board of Directors, Lord Dean of Guild,Alasdair Ronald said “At the moment there is an understandable desire by the public to support charities where they can. However, the Merchants House believes that in six months’ time the financial situation for many may simply mean they are unable to continue to donate and we want to be in a position to continue our support then.”

The Merchants House of Glasgow has been part of the fabric of the city for more than 400 years. It was established in 1605 and has played a major role in the development and growth of the city.

Over the centuries it has developed into a major charitable institution and in the last five years alone it has distributed more than £2.5million to local charities and individuals in need. Those currently benefitting include the Lodging House Mission, Finding Your Feet, Renfrew YMCA, Ocean Youth Trust, Medicinema and Deafblind Scotland. Alasdair Ronald added “ We are determined to maintain as high a level of support as possible, despite facing a possible decline in our rental and investment income. Significant grants were made last month, in many cases to help in areas adversely affected by Covid-19 and, while more grants could have been made, it was decided that it would be better to spread the financial support over the year”

Merchants House have been active in response to the Covid-19 Crisis and recently awarded £10,000 to the Renfrewshire Foodbank. Elizabeth Alexander, Manager of the Renfrewshire Foodbank said “ we would like to thank Merchants House for their support at this time. More people than ever are struggling with reduced income and loss of employment because of the Coronavirus pandemic, which is likely to have a lasting effect economically on so many people. This very generous grant will allow us to provide food to people who cannot afford to feed themselves and their children now and when the pandemic is over”