32,000 older Cumbrians live alone, and with concerns over social isolation and the cold winter months, action needs to be taken to prevent fuel and food poverty, as well as social isolation for the older community.

The Winter Warmth Appeal collects people’s warm generosity and gives it back out to vulnerable older people to ensure they can heat their homes properly and remain safe and well during the colder months.

Match Funding Challenge – Donate and make double the difference

Thanks to the generosity of our match funding champions, we had a match funding pot of £192,500 this winter. All donations to our Winter Warmth Appeal between 9am Monday 10 November and 5pm Friday 19 December were matched £1 for £1, thanks to our match funding champions.

Match Funding Champions 2025
A huge thank you to our generous match funding champions: WCF Ltd, John Laing Charitable Trust, Westmorland & Furness Council, SP Electricity North West, Allan Stobarts Lubricants & Fuels, Hadfield Trust, Roseland Trust, Johnson Fund, Sellafield Ltd, Harvey Family Fund, Nuclear Waste Services and private donors.

WCF: Allan Stobarts Lubricants & Fuels: “WCF is proud to support the 2025 Winter Warmth Fund which provides vital support for vulnerable, older people in Cumbria who are struggling to meet the cost of heating their own homes.  As the owners of one of Cumbria’s largest oil distributors Allan Stobarts, we understand the isolation of rural communities, especially during the winter months, which is why we make our most vulnerable customers a priority for heating oil deliveries during cold weather conditions.  Our new depot in Kingstown will be opening in January and this will further support our mission to deliver home heating oil to our valued customers across Cumbria as and when they need it.” Phil Murray, Chief Executive Officer, WCF Ltd

John Laing Charitable Trust: “The John Laing Charitable Trust is delighted to be able to match funds for the Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Appeal again this year. This support will provide some relief during the winter months to vulnerable people in the community, including many struggling to cope with increased fuel prices.” Helen Parker, Trust Director

Johnson Fund: “Energy prices and essential costs of living generally continue to add immeasurably to the real concerns among particularly the housebound and elderly at the onset of winter. Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Appeal is specifically designed to address this issue, for Cumbrians by Cumbrians, my wife and I wholeheartedly support it and I strongly encourage you all to do likewise.” Jim Johnson

The Hadfield Trust:  “The Hadfield Trust have a clearly defined set of priorities for funding, by which all applications are judged. Two of these: social needs and help for older people, are both squarely within the aims of the Winter Warmth Appeal. Our Trust has the added confidence in the ability of the Cumbria Community Foundation and their focused network to be able 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.” Andrew Forsyth, Trustee

The Roselands Trust: “The Roselands Trust have been pleased to support the Winter  Warmth Appeal since 2010. 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.” Kenneth Johnson

Westmorland and Furness Council: “Westmorland and Furness Council are pleased to support CCF’s Winter Warmth Appeal. This important fund will support older residents to stay warm and healthy over winter. It will also provide 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.” Tracey Ingham, Assistant Director

Nuclear Waste Services: “Nuclear Waste Services is proud to once again be a Match Fund Champion for Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Appeal. By supporting this vital initiative, we’re helping older people stay warm and well during the colder months. Together, we can make a real difference in protecting health and ensuring no one has to choose between heating and eating.” Samantha McKenzie, Principal Community Engagement Manager