Northamptonshire Community Foundation today launches their annual winter appeal to support older and vulnerable people throughout the winter months.
The Foundation is the leading independent grant-making charity in the county and its annual Winter Well-being appeal has raised £235,000 since 2010 to protect some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.
Winter can be a lonely and worrying time. With many older and vulnerable people living alone in addition to the ongoing public health crisis, many people are still cautious about leaving their homes. The uncertainty of the coming winter months will lead to increased social isolation again this year.
This year, the appeal needs the help of the local community more than ever. The fuel crisis is set to take hold of the nation and one in ten households in Northamptonshire currently live in fuel poverty, meaning that they spend more than 10% of their income on fuel.
Victoria Miles DL, CEO of Northamptonshire Community Foundation, said: “Fuel poverty has always been an issue and the Foundation has stepped up and raised annual funds in the past for the most vulnerable in our communities who need help and support during the cold winter months. This year will see fuel prices rocket and we will unfortunately see more people having to choose whether to heat their homes or cook a hot meal. We are pleading with those who can to give generously to our Winter Well-being appeal so we can make sure the funds reach people in need this winter.”
Money raised will be awarded in the form of grants to local community groups and small charities whose activities protect and help older and vulnerable people in supported environments.
The campaign has had a great start, with the Foundation’s Deputy CEO and Grants Director Rachel McGrath taking on the mighty Thames Path Challenge to raise vital funds for the appeal. Over the course of two days, Rachel walked 100 kilometres along the River Thames and raised over £1,600 to kick off this year’s appeal. Waitrose Rushden have also generously donated £333 from their Community Matters green coin scheme. If you’d like to learn more and donate to the appeal, please visit http://www.ncf.uk.com/give/winter-wellbeing
