THE Surviving Winter Appeal has reached a fundraising milestone.
The campaign, coordinated by the Devon Community Foundation, asks people who can afford to forgo their Winter Fuel Allowance to donate it to help the hundreds of vulnerable and older people affected by fuel poverty in Devon, has so far raised nearly £11,000.
Across Devon 17.6 per cent of all households are living in fuel poverty and 600 older and vulnerable people are at risk of dying as a result of fuel poverty this winter.
Martha Wilkinson, chief executive of the foundation said: "We were so pleased with how last year's campaign went and we are thrilled that we have had such a fantastic response to the Surviving Winter Appeal again. The recent cold weather has seen many of the older and vulnerable people in our communities at an even greater risk.
"The people of Devon have really backed this campaign and some of the most heart warming and humbling stories have come in with the donations."
She added: "We have already allocated grants to individuals as well as Community Groups such as Holsworthy Luncheon Club, Dartmouth Caring and Friends of Southernhay House so they can continue their vital service.
"However, we continue to appeal to anyone who feels that they would like to donate to this campaign. As we have seen recently, January and February are often the coldest times of the year in Devon and we hope that we can continue to help some of our most vulnerable this winter."
Celebrities who are supporting the campaign include Ann Widdecombe, Sir David Jason, Angela Rippon and Denise Robertson amongst others.
You can donate at www.justgiving.com/SurvivingWinter2012 or text WARM12 to 70070 to donate £10. Any money you donate will be spent locally to support older and vulnerable people in Devon.
The campaign, coordinated by the Devon Community Foundation, asks people who can afford to forgo their Winter Fuel Allowance to donate it to help the hundreds of vulnerable and older people affected by fuel poverty in Devon, has so far raised nearly £11,000.
Across Devon 17.6 per cent of all households are living in fuel poverty and 600 older and vulnerable people are at risk of dying as a result of fuel poverty this winter.
Martha Wilkinson, chief executive of the foundation said: "We were so pleased with how last year's campaign went and we are thrilled that we have had such a fantastic response to the Surviving Winter Appeal again. The recent cold weather has seen many of the older and vulnerable people in our communities at an even greater risk.
"The people of Devon have really backed this campaign and some of the most heart warming and humbling stories have come in with the donations."
She added: "We have already allocated grants to individuals as well as Community Groups such as Holsworthy Luncheon Club, Dartmouth Caring and Friends of Southernhay House so they can continue their vital service.
"However, we continue to appeal to anyone who feels that they would like to donate to this campaign. As we have seen recently, January and February are often the coldest times of the year in Devon and we hope that we can continue to help some of our most vulnerable this winter."
Celebrities who are supporting the campaign include Ann Widdecombe, Sir David Jason, Angela Rippon and Denise Robertson amongst others.
You can donate at www.justgiving.com/SurvivingWinter2012 or text WARM12 to 70070 to donate £10. Any money you donate will be spent locally to support older and vulnerable people in Devon.
