Housing association donates £20K to Dorset Surviving Winter appeal
Sovereign is supporting the county's Community Foundation
Local housing association, Sovereign, has put £20,000 towards Dorset Community Foundation's Surviving Winter appeal.
The campaign aims to raise funds to be distributed back out vulnerable older people in the county, who might otherwise struggle with heating bills in the colder months.
Each recipient is given a £200 grants towards their energy costs, with demand for support four and a half times higher during the latest campaign, compared to last year.
One person in their 80s, who's received help, said that before they got their grant, there were days when they’d have to choose between having a hot meal or having the heating on.
Sovereign's donation has helped DCF to achieve their £100,000 fundraising target.
Hannah Monk, Sovereign’s Funding and Innovation Specialist, said:
“Through our Thriving Communities Strategy, we are committed to improving the wellbeing and quality of life of our residents, with one of our key focuses being ‘aging well’.
“We recognise that many older people are struggling because of increased costs. By giving to DCF, we can direct funding to those who need it the most. Importantly, working with DCF has enabled us to secure a match, doubling our donation and its impact.”
Dorset Community Foundation Chair of Trustees Tom Flood CBE said:
“We are very thankful to Sovereign for this generous donation. It will allow us to make more grants that will make a huge difference to older and vulnerable people, many of whom live in fear of energy bills. The grants we’ll be able to make will give them peace of mind and security, as well as keep them warm and safe.”