DORSET Community Foundation has partnered with the Dorset Echo and Daily Echo to launch a Put In A Pound appeal in support of its Surviving Winter appeal.
The two daily papers are asking their readers to donate £1 to the appeal, which 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.
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 Dorset Echo and Daily Echo have come forward with this appeal and we can assure readers their generosity will make a huge difference to people who are really struggling.”
Donate to Put In A Pound here, or by post with cheques made payable to Dorset Community Foundation, to The Spire, High Street, Poole BH15 1DF.
Pictured: Dorset Community Foundation chair of trustees Tom Flood CBE launching the Put In A Pound appeal at its offices in Poole
