The campaign provides food vouchers, food and toy hampers, festive events and much more, and in 2022 the support provided was a 25% increase on the previous year.
Following referrals identifying those most in need, we helped 323 households, 121 of those with children, across Merseyside, Cheshire and Halton.
We also delivered 255 food vouchers, 143 fuel vouchers, and 62 food hampers. In addition, 109 households received toys, and 13 referrals were made to mental health partners. Delivery was helped by a team of 50 volunteers, including our members, colleagues and partners.
There have been 148 referrals to money-saving partner organisation Pocket Power, 106 from the Winter Campaign; so far 42 customers have collectively saved almost £10,000.
We held Christmas parties and lunches in our sheltered schemes and temporary accommodation, giving residents the chance to have a proper festive get-together for the first time since the pandemic.
And while helping customers have a happier Christmas is one of the main aims, the campaign continues into the new year to help those struggling with the cost of living crisis.
It is all made possible through the help and support of our partner organisations and contractors. These include Penny Lane Builders, Bell Group, Sustainable Building Solutions, Frank Rogers, Consortia UK and Mission Christmas. Contractors have made generous cash donations totaling an amazing £22,000 to help fund the winter campaign, as well as raffle prizes and much-needed items to be distributed to customers, like slow cookers.
Our fabulous Plus Dane colleagues raised more than £1,500 for the campaign through a raffle, as well as collecting for local foodbanks and toy appeals.
Plus Dane head of engagement and partnerships, Emma Sneyd, said: “We are really proud of what we have managed to deliver with the winter campaign, which has been our biggest to date. We are grateful to our partner organisations and everyone who was able to get involved and work together to help us provide services, Christmas gifts, food and so much more that helped so many of our customers struggling with the cost of living crisis. We know this really has made a difference to a lot of people.”
Plus Dane customers can contact Plus Dane all year round for more information on help and support available, from access to food bank vouchers to help getting back into work and training. They can also refer customers to Pocket Power to help switch providers and save money on household bills. To find out more, please email customer@plusdane.co.uk or call 0800 169 2988.
