Thank you for your support for our Surviving Winter appeal

Friends and supporters of the Foundation generously responded to our annual Surviving Winter Appeal. The aim of the Appeal is to help people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly stay warm and well during winter.

This winter £18,200 has been awarded to 18 groups to help individuals they are in contact with.

For example, Sparkle Academy supported 8 households with £100 each towards mainly towards food, heating and/or clothing. This in turn supported 37 people living in those households. The Academy commented, “Our activities support families that are living in working poverty, not necessarily people on benefits. I make sure that only the truly needy are  supported. During this winter we have had kids coming to school with holes in their shoes and it has rained almost every day, soaking wet feet. Some don’t qualify for free school dinners so we try and support them discreetly. We need support now, more than ever as we are getting food parcels together for people in dire situations who can’t or won’t go to the food bank. We tell them pride doesn’t feed your family but one dad who has been unable to work as he has been looking after his sick wife (chemo) won’t go and we can’t let them go hungry”.”

The Oasis Centre, based at St Columb distributed £750.  Contributions were made towards heating, clothing, a humidifier and bedding.  Of those receiving assistance all were receiving benefits, all had physical health problems, 3 had mental health problems and6 were over the age of 60.

Wild Young Parents Project work with families in need and supporting parenting throughout Cornwall They made 20 awards to families living across Cornwall.  Items purchased with the grant funding included dressing gowns, coats, rain protection clothing, bedding, cooking equipment.  Those benefiting included 1 over 60, 31 under 5s, 12 people with mental health issues, 21 people receiving benefits, 1 homeless person and 3 people with physical health problems.

Community Energy Plus (CEP) – made 21 awards to people across Cornwall from  Bude to Marazion, Torpoint to Porthleven.  The majority of the 21 beneficiaries used the funding to top-up their gas or electricity meters. Others used the grant for purchasing winter fuel (wood) and heated blankets.  The highest single amount given to a beneficiary was £100 for meter top-ups, the beneficiary being classed as homeless as they were in temporary accommodation. The beneficiary had physical and mental health complications and was a recipient of state benefits.  CEP commented, “When asked what they found difficult during the winter months the beneficiaries stated heating and the cost of fuel, keeping warm, affording food and warm clothing.”

Jeremy Ward, CCF Development Director, says, “These examples show how far relatively small amounts of money given to individuals goes. The Friends of the Foundation are fantastic supporters of the annual Surviving Winter appeal. Their money makes such a difference.”