The Society is once again supporting the Surviving Winter Appeal, now in its 12th year. This joint initiative by Suffolk Community Foundation, Citizens Advice Ipswich, and Suffolk County Council’s Warm Homes Healthy People will have a three-pronged focus on ‘fuel, food and support’ this year.
There will be grants available to help pay for fuel, and in some cases critical home improvements where there is often no form of heating nor hot water. Some food projects will be supported and Suffolk charities – themselves facing huge challenges – could also be helped.
Over the years our Society members have generously donated some or all of their Winter Fuel Payment to the appeal. You can also help by steering anyone you know who is struggling (maybe in silence) to Citizens Advice Ipswich on 01473 298 634.
Melanie Craig, the Chief Executive of Suffolk Community Foundation said:
“Across the county there are many wonderful food projects, large and small, and this year the Appeal will give grants to help some of those providing food to meet the increased demand we know they are seeing. We also want to help other smaller Suffolk charities who offer essential help and enable people to be self-sufficient, but are themselves facing challenges with stretched budgets.
“As always, we encourage people to hold on to their Winter Fuel Payment and other cost of living support if they need it to stay warm and well this winter.”
However, in the long held ‘Don’t Need it, Donate it’ spirit of this appeal, we ask that those who can make a donation, perhaps from their Government’s Winter Fuel Allowance, donate it to the Appeal,
“We are very grateful for the support of the Suffolk Building Society who are a donation point for us and to BBC Radio Suffolk and the EADT for their support in raising awareness of the appeal, both to donors and to people who need help.”
Our own Chief Executive Officer Richard Norrington says of the appeal:
“As the cost of living crisis deepens, it’s more important than ever that we support people to stay warm in their homes this winter. Our charity partners are telling us that many of the people now seeking help may have never expected to be in this position.
“Our mission is to provide safe homes for our communities, and has been for over 170 years, so we are very proud to be supporting this year’s Surviving Winter Appeal. Our nine branches across the county will be accepting cash donations on behalf of Suffolk Community Foundation’s Appeal.”
To donate to the Appeal, donate online via the button link below or telephone 01473 602 602 (during office hours), or visit any of our branches to make a donation over the counter.
