FAIR Frome is asking people who don’t feel that they need their winter fuel allowance to donate it to the charity’s efforts to help local people in poverty.
Fair Frome’s winter fuel campaign asks people who receive the fuel allowance but don’t need all of it, to donate the money towards its food bank and other charity projects.
Trustee and fundraiser Judith Loughlin says, “Winter fuel payments are due to be paid out in the next week or two. While these are a much-needed boon to many and help to ensure that older people, or those on a low income, stay warm during the winter months, they are not means tested and a number of people who may not need them are beginning to look at how they can redirect the funding to those who need it more.
“Many people in Frome have been experiencing a difficult year. The huge rise in take up of the food bank shows this. We urgently need funds and are relaunching our winter fuel campaign. We are asking people who are dedicated to helping make a difference to the lives of local people to consider donating to Fair Frome.
“Your money would be used to fund our work in the town like the food bank which has received an unprecedented demand for food parcels this summer. Also, the charity is to launch a new project, a furniture bank which will provide access to basic household items for those on low incomes, at little or no cost.
“The money could also help with our community dining events, designed to enhance community spirit and address the problems of isolation, bringing people together over a meal and introducing them to agencies that could help.
“Please consider donating to Fair Frome; your money could make a vital difference to many people in the town this winter. All donations would be gratefully received.
“A number of people have already expressed an interest and the first cheque of the winter has already been promised.”
You can donate to Fair Frome online at https://localgiving.org/charity/fairfrome or in office at 5 Palmer Street, Frome.
For more information about fuel allowances and who they apply to go to www.gov.uk