Wiltshire group fuelled by generosity
1:00pm Sunday 5th February 2012 in Latest News By Jill Crooks
Donations of winter fuel allowance payment by pensioners are benefiting elderly people in need.
The Surviving Winter campaign, run by Community Foundations, involves people who can afford to donate their winter fuel allowance of between £100 and £300.
The money is distributed to older and vulnerable people needing additional help to heat their home.
In Wiltshire, the campaign has seen more than £28,000 raised this year, compared with £20,000 last year.
Anthony and Audrey Tye, 85, of Erlestoke, are one couple who have received a grant.
Mr and Mrs Tye, who are 85 and 86, have health conditions which means they spend a lot of time at home and the cost of heating their three-bedroom house takes up about 15 per cent of their income. Last year the cost of their oil and electric heating was £2,346.
Mr Tye, had an operation last summer for bladder cancer, said: “We have had the walls insulated while the loft and some windows are double glazed. We are fairly careful – we put the radiators on in the rooms we are using.”
Mr Tye is a retired farm manager and Mrs Tye, who has a bad back, a retired secretary. The couple have a limited income and have already drawn on modest savings.
Mrs Tye said of the grant scheme: “I think it’s very good of people to donate their winter fuel allowance. It would be a pity if others who need help were not taking it.
“We are very grateful. We feel we can put the heating on without worrying too much.”
Nationally the campaign has been supported by famous people including broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan and actor Sir David Jason, who have donated their winter fuel payments.
Jon Yates, development director at The Community Foundation for Wiltshire and Swindon, said: “We are delighted and grateful to people who have supported the campaign. We are very pleased with the amount raised. We had about 100 donations last year and nearer 180 this year. We are desperate to get the money out to people who need it.”
Grants are £125 or £250 depending on the level of need. Applications can be made by calling The Community Foundation on (01380) 729284 or visit www.wscf.org.uk Other organisations have application forms including Age UK, Wiltshire Citizens Advice Bureau and Wiltshire Credit Unions.
