The appeal is designed to address the shocking statistic that on average there are 520 excess deaths in Dorset during the winter months.
Grant Robson, Director at the Foundation explained: ‘Generous local residents can potentially save lives by simply ‘recycling’ unwanted Winter Fuel allowances which all people over the age of 65 receive from the Government. Donations from Dorset helped us to support 280 people last year, all in very difficult circumstances, from those recovering from cancer or serious health conditions to those in poorly built or damp housing – situations only exacerbated by the cold.
Mr M., one of the older people the Appeal supported, shared his circumstances and the difference the grant has made: ‘I live alone and disabled due to accident and suffer lasting effects from cancer. My house is cold due to two old storage heaters. I have no money to improve my heating or lifestyle, the cold makes my disability worse. The grant helped me deal with the added costs of trying to keep warm this winter.’
Donations raised are directed through the local Citizens Advice Bureaus to older people over 60 in fuel poverty or to those 50 and over who meet the winter fuel poverty criteria which includes significant health conditions, highest level of benefits or have little current chance of improving life circumstances.
To donate online please click here or send a cheque to Dorset Community Foundation, The Spire, High Street, Poole, BH15 1DF, (all cheques need to be made out to the Dorset Community Foundation).
