TODAY the Daily Echo launches its Put In A Pound appeal to help tackle the effects of the cost of living crisis.
We are teaming up with Dorset Community Foundation to ask every reader to donate £1 to the appeal, which will go towards the foundation’s Surviving Winter Fund.
The annual Surviving Winter campaign is now in its 13th year and supports Citizens Advice to identify pensioners and vulnerable people aged 50 and over living in fuel poverty. Many can only afford to heat one room for a few hours a day and routinely skip meals to save money for their bills.
The money from the appeal funds £200 fuel grants as well as help with benefits and energy saving advice from the charity’s advisors.
The community foundation, which was founded 22 years ago and supports hundreds of grass roots charities and voluntary groups across the county with grants every year, matches donors with causes they care about and is Dorset’s largest county-based funder.
East Dorset and Purbeck’s office works in partnership with Dorset Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter appeal, representing Citizens Advice branches all over Dorset. Business development manager Katrina Ford said people have told energy advisors they have been keeping their heating off.
“It’s the worst possible decision health-wise you can make in these conditions,” she said. “It’s the people who are being forced into this that the grants are directed at.”
Tom Flood CBE, the community foundation’s chair of trustees, said: “This is a tough time for everyone but people who were already struggling are now really in a desperate situation with no end in sight. We talk regularly to the groups working on the frontline in our communities and they are seeing a huge rise in demand.
“We are absolutely delighted that the Echo has come forward with this appeal and we can assure readers their generosity will make a huge difference to people who are really struggling.”
Echo editor Diarmuid MacDonagh said: “Times are tough and people are seriously struggling at the moment. The cost-of-living crisis is hitting every household but some are suffering more than most of us can imagine. I wouldn’t ask our readers for donations lightly, but putting in a pound for this campaign can help make a real difference to people living in poverty in Dorset.
“The cost of living is a daily battle for many so if you can’t contribute, please help spread the word to those may be able to help.”
How to donate
There are several ways you can donate.
Online at https://dorsetcommunityfoundation.enthuse.com/donate or by scanning the QR code (see above)
By post, with cheques made payable to Dorset Community Foundation, to The Spire, High Street, Poole BH15 1DF
- Find out more about the work of Dorset Community Foundation at dorsetcommunityfoundation.org
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