Surviving Winter Appeal 2011/12 back by Michael Eavis
Following the success of the first Surviving Winter Appeal in 2010/11, when over £55,000 was raised in November and December to help elderly residents in Somerset struggling to meet the cost of the winter, Justin Sargent announced that the appeal would be repeated in 2011/12.

The campaign was so successful last year that scheme, which was devised by Somerset Community Foundation, has become a national appeal led by Community Foundations working across the UK. Justin has been working with many foundations to help them repeat our success.

The appeal is based on asking people who receive the Winter Fuel Payment (WFP), but do not need it, to donate some or all of it so that it can recycled to help those most in need. Of course anyone can make a donation if they wish!

Over 70 people have already donated or pledged to make a donation and the WFP is not issued by the Government until mid-November at the earliest. Following last year’s appeal grants were awarded to directly help over 200 pensioners in need, and to make sure essential ‘handyman’ services are in place to repair broken boilers, draughty windows and doors, and other vital household maintenance.

The appeal is again backed by Michael Eavis who said
"Last year, I was the first person to sign up to the scheme and I was delighted to learn that a large number of people followed suit.  I could see immediately the sense and logic behind people who are reasonably well off like myself, giving their winter payment to more needy folk in Somerset.  I gather that it was an astounding success and the campaign is now running across the whole country, but because things are getting much worse economically, there will be even greater need this winter.  Therefore I hope that even more people will join me in giving their Winter Fuel Allowance to the Somerset Community Foundation."

Nationally celebrities including Terry Wogan, David Jason and Ann Widdicombe are all backing the appeal.

< back to news