Foundation’s appeal set to give helping hand during winter months.
Just a week after its launch, Heart of England Community Foundation’s winter appeal has received over £60,000 in donations. The funds received will be used to create two Winter Wellbeing pots: one to help voluntary and community organisations that require additional funding to run initiatives over winter; and the other specifically to fund festive activities in communities.
Both funds aim to ease the pressure felt by community projects during the upcoming winter and will offer a much-needed 
The first will offer grants of up to £10,000, funding initiatives such as delivering financial advice and welfare checks, through to providing food provisions and emotional support to people who might be struggling. The second is specifically suited for one-off projects, spreading festive cheer throughout the West Midlands and Warwickshire during Christmas.
With applications already coming in fast, the Foundation believes there will be plenty more to come. Tina Costello said:
“The support that we have received for our Winter Wellbeing appeal so far has been amazing, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated. However, the number of community projects that are needing additional support is only rising and these vital services need our support as we head into the long and dark nights.
We are reaching out to companies across the West Midlands who are able to spread the word and join us in offering a helping hand to charities this winter. All of the donations that we receive will help to ease the pressure off the vital services that support our communities during what’s expected to be another difficult time.”
As well as donations, Heart of England is encouraging people to reach out and play an active role in volunteering, donating supplies or taking the time to check in on the vulnerable people. Those that do are being asked to connect with the Foundation on social media through the hashtag #DoMoreLocal.
For more information about the Foundation’s Winter Wellbeing campaign, head to Heart of England.