THIS week is the final chance to donate to our Put In A Pound appeal to help Wiltshire Community Foundation support groups working hard in communities where people are struggling with the cost of living crisis.
We are asking readers to donate £1 to the appeal, which is raising money for Wiltshire Community Foundation’s Cost of Living Crisis Fund. Money from the fund goes direct to grass roots charities and voluntary groups who are facing a surge in demand for help during the crisis.
The foundation will be able to increase any reader’s donation to Put In A Pound by 50 per cent through match funding – up to the value of £25,000 – meaning each £1 donated becomes £1.50.
Fiona Oliver, the foundation’s joint chief executive, said: “We are incredibly thankful to everyone who has donated to the appeal so far, it really will make a difference. We are hearing from the groups we work with just how desperate a situation it is for families and individuals who are being broken by poverty.”
Deb has two small children and relies on her local community fridge to make ends meet. “I can’t work because of the children and also because I care for my mum who has sight and mobility issues,” she says.
“The fridge is a lifesaver because I can top up the shopping and everyone there is really friendly. I try to only go to the shop when I know things are marked down at the end of the day but it can be embarrassing looking around and the kids always want things I can’t afford.
“Getting by has been difficult since December with the weather, the flat always feels cold so it’s tempting to keep the heating on. But I don’t. I have a pre-pay meter and it just seems to eat money.
“I wonder what things will be like in a year or two. I hope for the best but the days and weeks can seem really long.”
Mrs Oliver said: “The groups and charities we fund tell us that demand is rising faster than ever before just at the time when their own costs, like heating, rent and fuel are going up. That’s why our fund is so vital.”
Newsquest Wiltshire editor Daniel Chipperfield said: "It's no secret that when times are hard, it's those most vulnerable that get hit hardest.
"That is why it is so important for those who can spare just a little, do so. Please do what you can and you will not believe the joy and relief you can bring to someone's life."
HOW TO DONATE
There are several ways you can donate.
By credit or debit card by calling 01380 715453 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)
By post, with cheques made payable to Wiltshire Community Foundation, to Sandcliff House, 21 Northgate Street, Devizes, SN10 1JT
Online at bit.ly/putinapound or by scanning this QR code.
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