ELDERLY and vulnerable people have enjoyed a free Sunday lunch thanks to a campaign to help people through the cold weather.
The Winter Relief Appeal was launched by The Northern Echo and County Durham Community Foundation (CDCF) in December and seeks to raise £250,000.
It is asking people who do not need their winter fuel allowance to donate all or part of it to help those less fortunate than themselves.
Yesterday, Shildon People’s Centre cooked Sunday lunch for 15 members of its lunch club who have already received clothes and a hamper through the appeal.
A centre spokesman said: “We were concerned at how cold the winter had started and how early.
“Working with The Northern Echo’s Winter Relief Fund and the CDCF, we organised food, clothing hampers and Sunday lunch to ensure members were not caught out by the cold weather.”
One elderly diner said: “It is not often those of us who are a bit unfortunate and feel the cold weather most get remembered when we do not have family and close friends at these cold times.”
Community and voluntary groups wanting to apply for a grant from the appeal are asked to call 0191-378- 6344.
To donate, call the foundation on 0191-378-6345 or visit cdcf.org.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here