While a charity's annual celebration can't be held in person, that doesn't mean it has to be scrapped altogether.

The team at Cumbria Community Foundation have been forced to cancel their popular annual dinner this autumn.

But all is not lost, as a virtual event will be held in its place.

Stronger Foundations: The Way Through Covid-19 will be held online on October 15 from 6.30pm, with an open invitation to all who wish to attend.

Former Penrith MP Rory Stewart will be the key speaker of the evening, offering an insight into Cumbria during Covid.

Andy Beeforth, chief executive at the Foundation, said: “We are delighted that Rory Stewart, who knows the county so well, is able to join us and speak about the way forward for Cumbria through Covid-19.

"We will also hear from two local groups that have been supported through our Covid-19 Response Fund: Food initiative, S.H.I.N.E. (Support, Help in Nourishing Everyone), which was established during the pandemic to support vulnerable people in Brampton, and Love Barrow Families."

He continued: "Communities throughout Cumbria, and the UK, have come together in response to Covid-19.

"There has been an overwhelming public response to the call for volunteers and millions of pounds have been donated to the third sector demonstrating an innate desire for people to support each other.

"We would like to use that strengthened spirit of collaboration and build on these stronger foundations to shape our county for the better, and give our third sector the support it needs to respond to the emerging and evolving challenges presented by Covid-19.”

The Foundation’s Covid-19 Response Fund was launched in March 2020, and to date, has awarded upwards of £1.3 million to more than 160 groups across the county.

Richard Dawson, regional director at Rathbones, said that he was pleased to accept the request to sponsor this event as part of their regular support for the Foundation.

“Cumbria is a region that will feel the impact of the current pandemic as tourism companies will continue to be affected for some time to come," he said.

"The impact on local employment is already being felt and following the end of the furlough scheme we envisage this continuing potentially into 2021.

"Organisations such as Cumbria Community Foundation, with its resources and connections across the county, are invaluable in helping people and organisations negotiate these challenging times.”

The Foundation will also be welcoming members and supporters of the newly launched Cumbria Club to its first annual showcase event.

There will be a presentation from the Foundation’s Vice President, Lord Bragg introducing the Cumbria Club to a wider audience.

Those who would like to attend are asked to email susan@cumbriafoundation.org.