Final Week to Donate to Winter Warmth Appeal in Cumbria
As the winter season continues, Cumbria Community Foundation is urging individuals and businesses to donate to their annual Winter Warmth Appeal, which helps vulnerable older people stay warm during the cold months. This year, donations to the appeal will be matched £1 for £1, but the opportunity to double your impact ends this Friday, December 19th.
Since its launch in 2010, the Winter Warmth Appeal has raised an impressive £3 million, providing grants to older people in need to cover the cost of heating their homes. Last year alone, over £270,000 was distributed to 1,570 vulnerable older people across the county through delivery partners Age UK and Copeland Age & Advice Service.
One of the individuals who has benefitted from the Winter Warmth Appeal is eighty-year-old Pat, who has received a grant for the past five years. She expressed her gratitude, saying, “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.”
The success of the Winter Warmth Appeal is thanks to the generosity of match funding champions such as 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. These organizations have pledged to match all donations to the appeal, doubling the impact of each contribution.
Among the businesses who have donated to the Winter Warmth Appeal this year is Ecological Building Systems, a sustainable building systems company based in Carlisle. Marketing Executive Nuria de la Guía shared, “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.”
Another generous donor is James Walker and Co Ltd, a Cockermouth-based company. Site Director Mark Rosser stated, “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 has also contributed to the Winter Warmth Appeal this year, donating £400 from the proceeds of their Christmas raffle. In addition, many older people who have received the Winter Fuel Payment from the Government have decided to pass it on to the appeal, recognizing the importance of helping others in need.
Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support received from businesses, individuals, and community groups. She encouraged those who have not yet donated to do so this week, as every contribution will make a difference in the lives of older people in Cumbria. She said, “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.”
Those interested in donating to the Winter Warmth Appeal can do so online at https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/cumbria-winter-warmth-appeal-2025 or by phone at 01900 825760 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Donations can also be made by check, payable to Cumbria Community Foundation with “Winter Warmth Fund” written on the back, and sent to Cumbria Community Foundation, Dovenby Hall, Dovenby, Cockermouth, CA13 0PN.
