February 22, 2001 15:07: BUCKINGHAM, a little red bear, will be helping Mimi Harker raise funds for the Bucks Foundation, a new charity to help local projects in deprived areas.

Mrs Harker, a Chiltern district councillor, agreed to take on the job in the Chiltern and South Bucks area after meeting foundation chairman Martin Jourdan, the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire.

On Friday her husband Robin started the ball rolling by presenting Mr Jourdan with a cheque for £2,500 from Amersham-based computer company Works Stations UK where he is sales director.

The foundation has been going for a year in a low-key way, waiting to get itself established before its big official launch on March 8 for members, patrons and people who have already benefited from cash grants.

The foundation has already given out about £20,000 to several organisations including a number of small community groups in Castlefield, High Wycombe, money for the local news sheet, for the community centre, for a dance group and for the Darby and Joan Club.

Four children have been able to go on the Skidz motor project course in High Wycombe and money has been provided for a child support group in Lane End. The latest grant was £500 for Belmont Football Club in Pond Park, Chesham, to help pay for showers.

"These were not large amounts of money", said Mr Jourdan, "but at this level on the ground floor a little could go a long way. The same amount to a huge charity would be just a drop in the ocean."

Cllr Harker added that local businesses had a duty to put something back into their community.

The foundation president is Sir Nigel Mobbs, Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire.

For more details, phone Mimi Harker on (01494) 728906