Match funders have pledged to double any money donated to Cumbria's Winter Warmth Appeal.

The annual appeal, run by Cumbria Community Foundation since 2010, aims to help vulnerable older people to meet their heating bills.

Jenny Benson, director of programmes and partnerships at the Foundation, said: "Older vulnerable members of our community are facing a winter of suffering because they cannot afford to heat their homes adequately.

"The continued support of our donors will be vital.

"We know many pensioners already find winter a struggle.

"The withdrawal of the winter fuel payment from all but the most vulnerable means this year will be especially difficult for many older Cumbrians.

"Our appeal is more vital than ever before.

"We want to ensure that no one is forced to struggle during the colder months."

Donations received by December 13 will be doubled by the foundation's "match funding champions," i.e. businesses, funders, and other organisations that have pledged to match, pound for pound, money given by the public.

The foundation's match fund champions include WCF Ltd, John Laing Charitable Trust, Cumberland Council, Westmorland & Furness Council, Electricity North West, Nuclear Waste Services, Hadfield Trust, Roseland Trust, Johnson Fund, EMG Solicitors, The Rotary Club of Carlisle, Brian & Ann Clark Fund, Harvey Family Fund, and various private donors.

Andrew Forsyth, a trustee of The Hadfield Trust in Kendal, said: "Our Trust has added confidence in the ability of Cumbria Community Foundation and its focused network to apply the funds directly to where they are required and so relieve some of the worst effects of a cold Cumbrian winter on the elderly and the needy."

Chair and founder of the Roselands Trust, Kenneth Johnson, said: "It is a proven way to actively help enrich the lives of so many elderly and vulnerable people in our region, which is the main objective of our charity."

Karen Hunter, customer inclusion and partnerships manager at Electricity North West, said: "Customers are at the heart of everything we do and we’re always looking for partnerships that make a difference to communities.

"Hopefully, we’ll see new and current donors get involved knowing their donation will be doubled."

Tracey Ingham, assistant director of safe and strong communities at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: "This important fund supports older residents to stay warm and healthy over winter.

"It also provides an opportunity for residents to get advice on claiming benefits they may not be aware of as well as linking in with local befriending and other schemes.

"This project fits well with the council’s work to support residents feeling the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis."

Last year, Cumbria Community Foundation awarded more than £315,000 in grants through delivery partners Age UK and Copeland Age & Advice Service.

The grants ultimately benefited 1,941 vulnerable older people.

Donations can be made online at https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/cumbria-winter-warmth-appeal-2024

To donate by cheque or phone, please call 01900 825760 between 9am and 5pm.

If you know someone aged 60 or over who may need support with heating bills, information on how to claim is available at: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/winter-warmth-fund/apply-now/