The Northern Echo’s campaign urging readers to Put In A Pound this winter has passed the half-way mark thanks to their unwavering generosity.

Launched earlier this month, the Echo is 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.

In just two weeks the fundraiser has already raised £2,500, passing the 50% fundraising target. The money raised will make a huge difference to the work of the County Durham Community Foundation’s (CDCF) Poverty Hurts campaign.

Read more: The Northern Echo launches 'Put in a Pound' campaign to fight poverty this Christmas

And the money collected so far will be matched with 50p for every pound, thanks to the generosity of CDCF’s existing supporters, meaning every pound donated is worth £1.50 to great local causes in Durham, Darlington and the Tees Valley, and the work of the Foundation.

The Northern Echo:

Almost two in five (38%) of 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.

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.

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“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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