Winter appeals launched to help Berkshire residents in need get through colder months

Two appeals have been launched by the Berkshire Community Foundation (BCF) this week to help those in need get through the winter.

The foundation’s annual Surviving Winter appeal calls on those who can afford it to donate all or part of their winter fuel allowance to help alleviate fuel poverty in the county.

Money raised from this appeal will go directly towards charities or organisations who work to help fuel-poor households manage their energy bills, particularly older or vulnerable people.

The Christmas Campaign aims to raise money to help nine local charities bring some Christmas cheer to their beneficiaries, from providing gifts for families to organising festive meals for isolated and vulnerable people.

These charities include Berkshire Women’s Aid, West Berkshire Food Bank, Pilgrim Hearts Trust, Thames Hospice and The Dash Charity.

BCF said these appeals come amidst rising costs of living, exacerbated this winter by sudden rises in fuel prices and financial hardship caused by the ongoing impact of the pandemic.

Chief executive of BCF Jon Yates said: “What we are seeing is a ‘perfect storm’ of factors that are squeezing people hard and tipping many more households into poverty or hardship.

“Many will have the impossible choice of eating or staying warm.

“Others, barely able to make ends meet, won’t be able to give their families the Christmas they deserve.

“As always, it is older and vulnerable people and families who most need support during the cold winter months.

“But the uncertainty and low consumer confidence means that fewer people feel able to give to others.

“It is a worrying situation and we call on people who feel they can afford it to consider contributing to give someone else a hand up this Christmas and winter.”

Donations can be made via BCF’s Surviving Winter appeal page at www.berkshirecf.org/surviving-winter, or its Christmas Campaign page at www.berkshirecf.org/christmas-campaign-2021.