Northern Echo launches 'Put in a Pound' campaign to fight poverty

We are asking every reader to ‘put in a pound’ this winter to support charities facing unprecedented demand as the cost-of-living crisis continues to hit hard.

Almost two in five (38%) children in the North East now live below the poverty line, with forecasts suggesting 55% of UK households will be in fuel poverty by January.

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Almost 32,000 local children and young people are being hurt by poverty in and around County Durham.

By donating just £1 you will be supporting families choosing between heating and eating, older people at risk of dying in cold homes, children without warm clothes, and many more.

The Northern Echo is supporting the County Durham Community Foundation’s Poverty Hurts campaign, working with local communities and projects to ‘fight poverty and enrich lives’.

And for each pound donated (up to £100k) the Foundation will match it with 50p, thanks to the generosity of its existing supporters, meaning your £1 donation will be worth £1.50 to great local causes in Durham, Darlington and the Tees Valley, and the work of the Foundation.

Michelle Cooper MBE, Chief Executive of the County Durham Community Foundation told The Northern Echo they’re facing unprecedented demand this winter.

She said: “This is one of the hardest times we’ve seen. Charities are struggling to cope but the need for services has never been greater.

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“We work with small charities who know how best to help their local communities. Last month we have out £400,000 in grants to support their work, one of our highest ever payouts.

Michelle Cooper MBE, Chief Executive of the County Durham Community Foundation (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“It’s fantastic to be working with The Northern Echo on this campaign and for every pound donated by readers our generous supporters will match it with 50p.

“No matter how much you can give it really will make a difference this winter.”

Just £5 could pay for an older person to enjoy a hot meal and friendship in their local community centre, or for warm underwear for a child without.

£10 could buy a new mum living in poverty a pack of baby essentials so she can afford her rent.

Or £30 could pay for a heater for someone in end-of-life-care with a broken boiler to stay warm until a repair is arranged.

Gavin Foster, Northern Echo Editor, said: “The cost-of-living crisis is now hitting every household in our region, but some households are going to suffer more than most of us can even imagine this winter.

Gavin Foster, Northern Echo Editor (Image: Northern Echo)

“We also know how much people in this region dig deep during those tough times to help others - and we're asking you to dig deep again.

“If every one of our readers can put in just a pound we can make so much difference to the lives of those living in poverty. Please donate if you can.”

You can donate just £1*, or more if you can afford it, through The Northern Echo’s 'Poverty Hurts' fundraising page by clicking HERE or scanning the QR code.

*A small amount from each donation is taken as a processing fee by County Durham Community Foundation's trusted giving platform 'enthuse'. 

For example, if you donate £20 plus £5 Gift Aid, 83p will be taken as a processing fee. Due to the Foundation matching donations, your final donation would be £34.17.

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