Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: "It’s well known that colder weather exacerbates respiratory and circulatory diseases. Many local older people are at risk and even die because of the combined effects of fuel poverty and social isolation. WCF’s continued support of our Winter Warmth Appeal is fantastic. Donations are so vital in a year that has seen even more people plunged into fuel poverty because of the rising energy prices and the continuing cost of living crisis. We are being told by our delivery partners at Age UK just how desperate a situation it is for people who are being forced to choose whether they eat or heat their homes. All districts in Cumbria have a higher proportion of households living in fuel poverty than the national average, with over 33,000 households suffering. Sadly, it is our older population that is more at risk.”
Our Executive Chair Jo Ritzema
explains why WCF are keen supporters of the Winter Warmth Appeal ““As a part
employee-owned business, giving back to our local communities is part of our
ethos and we’re proud to support the Winter Warmth Fund which provides vital
support for vulnerable older people in Cumbria who are facing fuel poverty. As
the owners of one of Cumbria’s largest oil distributors Allan Stobarts, we
understand the isolation of rural communities, especially during the winter
months, which is why we make our most vulnerable customers a priority for heating
oil deliveries during cold weather conditions.”
Customers aged 75 or over can also sign up to the free Cold Weather Priority Initiative which enables heating oil distributors to identify and prioritise those most at risk, especially during cold weather. The initiative is operated by the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA), of which WCF is a member. Jo added: “As one of Cumbria’s largest oil distributors, we understand the isolation of rural communities, especially during the winter months, which is why we make our most vulnerable customers a priority for heating oil deliveries during cold weather conditions.”
Jo finished by adding “We put our
team and the rural communities in which they live and work at the heart of our
business and take their lead to provide long-standing support to the charities
and organisations which are important to them, as well as supporting their own
fund-raising activities in any way we can, such as doubling any money they
raise for charity. With the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and rising
energy bills, it’s never been more important to support those who cannot afford
to heat their homes this winter and are at risk as a result. I would urge
anyone who is able to get behind the Winter Warmth campaign and make a real
difference to people’s lives in Cumbria."
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