Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Appeal Set to Double Donations in Final Week
It’s the final week to make a donation to the Winter Warmth Appeal, and this year, every donation will be doubled £1 for £1. The foundation, which has raised over £3 million since its launch in 2010, aims to help vulnerable older people in Cumbria stay warm through the winter months.
The money donated to the appeal is distributed in grants to older people in need, providing them with the means to stay warm without the added worry of costs. Last year, the appeal awarded over £270,000 in grants to 1,570 vulnerable older people across the county through its delivery partners Age UK and Copeland Age & Advice Service.
Eighty-year-old Pat, who has received a grant for the past five years, expressed her gratitude for the support. “I’m extremely grateful,” she said. “I need warmth to stay healthy, like many people of my age do. I have these worn-out jumpers that I’ve worn in the wintertime, that have really had it. So I wear them in bed now.”
In addition to individual donations, the Foundation has been running a match funding challenge for the past few weeks, thanks to the generosity of match funding champions including Allan Stobarts Lubricants & Fuels, Hadfield Trust, Harvey Family Fund, John Laing Charitable Trust, Johnson Fund, Nuclear Waste Services, Roseland Trust, Sellafield Ltd, SP Electricity North West, WCF Ltd, Westmorland & Furness Council, and private donors. This means that all donations received by 5pm this Friday, 19 December, will be doubled.
Local businesses have also stepped up to support the appeal, including Ecological Building Systems and James Walker and Co Ltd. Nuria de la Guía, Marketing Executive at Ecological Building Systems, said, “This initiative holds real meaning for us. As a company dedicated to providing sustainable building systems and technical support for low-energy projects, we care deeply about helping our local community stay safe and warm through the colder months. Contributing to this appeal is a small way we can give back and support those who need it most.”
Mark Rosser, Site Director at James Walker and Co Ltd, added, “James Walker and Co Ltd are proud to support the Winter Warmth Appeal because we believe everyone deserves to stay safe and warm during the colder months. Rising energy costs and harsh winter conditions can put vulnerable individuals at risk, and by contributing to this fund, we are helping to provide essential warmth and comfort to those who need it most. Supporting this initiative reflects our commitment to caring for our community and making a positive difference where it matters.”
The Upper Eden Rotary Club also donated £400 from the proceeds of their Christmas raffle, and many older people who received the Winter Fuel Payment from the Government have generously chosen to pass it on to the appeal, recognizing the need of others.
Dr. Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support received. She said, “Once again, we have been blown away by the generosity of businesses, individuals, and community groups. Every single donation will make a difference in the lives of older people in Cumbria, ensuring they don’t have to choose between heating and eating this winter. I’d urge anyone who has been thinking of donating but hasn’t got around to it yet to do so this week, to ensure your donation is matched £1 for £1 by our amazing match funding champions.”
Donations to the Winter Warmth Appeal can be made online at https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/cumbria-winter-warmth-appeal-2025, over the phone at 01900 825760, or by sending a cheque made out to Cumbria Community Foundation with “Winter Warmth Fund” written on the back to Dovenby Hall, Dovenby, Cockermouth, CA13 0PN.
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