A £1m bid to get OAPS through cold winter – Huddersfield charity appeals for donations to local pensioners

A CAMPAIGN is under way across the UK to raise £1m to support elderly people through the winter.

Surviving Winter is a UK-wide campaign to encourage people to make donations to support those in need, for whom the annual winter fuel allowance is not nearly enough.

Huddersfield’s Community Foundation, One Community project is launching a local Surviving Winter Appeal as part of the national scheme to help thousands of vulnerable and older people affected by fuel poverty.

One Community is especially keen for the better-off over-60s living in Kirklees to donate their winter fuel allowance, worth from £200-£300, to the foundation, so it can help older people who are financially struggling.

One Community chairman Sir John Harman said: “We ran the campaign last year and we were able to help a number of local groups caring for elderly residents.

“Two of these, The Central Day Centre Luncheon Club in Cleckheaton and ‘HOPS’ (Huddersfield Older People’s services) received grants of £240 and £500 respectively.

“The Luncheon Club received funding to cover the cost of new pans while HOPS received support for the refurbishment of their kitchen.

“Nationally, the campaign raised over £1m and as a result was able to help over 35,000 elderly people suffering from the effects of fuel poverty and social isolation.”

Working with local organisations, One Community will ensure that any funds raised will provide support to older, vulnerable people who cannot afford to put their heating on or get out much.

Sir John added: “It is vitally important to provide a channel for those who want to help the most vulnerable members of our community to get through the winter with dignity.

“We hope others will see what is being done and also wish to lend their support.”

One Community is the main channel for individuals and families to invest in charities and community groups which address pressing social issues.

Earlier this year the foundation supported 21 grass-roots causes.

The foundation’s network of relationships with charity and community leaders across Kirklees will identify winter needs and target the money raised with speed and efficiency.

Any funds donated to the appeal can be made online at:www.one-community.org.uk or by cheque, made payable to ‘One Community’, and sent to: Winter Fuel Campaign, One Community, c/o Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors, 13 Railway Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1JS. For more details contact the foundation on 01484 468397.