In the Wakefield District there are hundreds of people still living in fuel poverty. People who spend every hour in bed just to keep warm and families that have to choose between eating and heating their homes.
Each year the Community Foundation raises money to help provide winter fuel grants to individuals and families struggling to pay their fuel bills. This year because of the rises in fuel costs and the reduction in Universal Credit, the charity has launched Challenge 25, which encourages teams to raise as many multiples of £25 as possible, as this is the average cost of a winter fuel grant.
Craig Shepherd, the Foundation’s CEO, said: “We are appealing to colleagues, friends and families to get on board with Challenge 25, so we can help even more people in our communities that are struggling. The last year was extremely difficult for everyone but more so for those who were furloughed or made redundant due to the pandemic, furthermore, now that fuel prices have risen there will be many more that find themselves in crisis during the winter months.”
The Challenge runs from the 1st to the 25th November and teams can raise money in any way they fancy by registering online at wakefieldcf.org.uk. A number have teams have already signed up and plan to fundraise in a multitude of ways including, football tournaments, mass sleepovers, marathon running and even wearing a different hat each day for 25 days!
Craig Shepherd, added: “Thanks to the support we were given last year by the public, corporate supporters and through funds raised at a Treasure Hunt at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, we were able to donate £21,250 to the Council’s Welfare Fund to help people in need at a critical time.
Cllr Maureen Cummings, Cabinet Member for Communities, Poverty and Health at Wakefield Council, said: “I’d like to thank all those who have played a part in raising this fantastic sum of money. It will help residents who need it the most over the coming months.
“We’ve seen an increase in demand for help with fuel costs throughout the pandemic, not only from those affected by coronavirus, but also from people in crisis.
“This money will help keep people in our district safe and warm as the nights draw in.”
Photograph taken by Porl Medlock at Yorkshire Sculpture Park with recently retired Community Foundation Director Murray Edwards, Cllr Maureen Cummings and Thom Butler, Senior Indoor Galleries Manager.