Generous Northern Echo readers have donated more than £1,500 to our Put in a Pound campaign, within hours of it being launched.
On Wednesday (December 7) morning the Echo asked every reader to ‘put in a pound’ this winter to support charities facing unprecedented demand as the cost-of-living crisis hits.
Within just a few hours, and thanks to the unwavering generosity of Northern Echo readers, more than £1,300 had been raised to support families choosing between heating and eating, older people at risk of dying in cold homes, children without warm clothing, and many more this winter.
Read more: The Northern Echo launches 'Put in a Pound' campaign to fight poverty this Christmas
The Northern Echo is supporting the County Durham Community Foundation’s (CDCF) Poverty Hurts campaign, working with local communities and projects to ‘fight poverty and enrich lives’.
The money raised so far is already enough to fund one grant for a local project, which could help more than 180 people, including 80 children this winter.
Almost two in five (38 per cent) children in the North East now lives below the poverty line, with forecasts suggesting 55 per cent of UK households will be in fuel poverty by January.
Northern Echo Editor Gavin Foster said: “Wow! what an amazing start. We all know how generous the people in our region are - but to get over £1,500 in a few hours after launching this campaign is amazing.
“Thank you to everyone who has donated so far and hopefully others can find some way to support this drive and help us to really make a difference.”
By 4pm on Wednesday afternoon £1,584 had been raised, taking us a step closed to our £5,000 target.
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For every pound donated by Echo readers (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.
CDCF Chief Executive Michelle Cooper MBE said: “It’s fantastic to be working with The Northern Echo on this campaign and wonderful to see the generosity of Echo readers who have donated more than £1,000 in just a few hours.
“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.
You can donate just £1*, or more if you can afford it, through The Northern Echo’s 'Poverty Hurts' fundraising page by clicking below.
*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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