Ann Widdecombe backs Christmas Unwrapped Appeal

Date added: Friday 17th December 2010
Latest updated: Wednesday 11th April 2012

ANN WIDDECOMBE BACKS CHRISTMAS UNWRAPPED APPEAL WITH WINTER FUEL ALLOWANCE DONATION

Strictly Come Dancing star, former MP and Devon resident Ann Widdecombe has joined the Western Morning News Christmas Unwrapped appeal by donating her government Winter Fuel Allowance, ensuring some of Devon's most vulnerable people will receive the help they need as the recession continues to bite.

Ann joins Bishop Michael, the Earl and Countess of Arran, Steve Hindley, CBE Chairman of the Midas Group, Mike Bull, Chair of Devon and Cornwall Police Authority and John Sunderland, former Chief Executive of North Devon Council in donating her allowance.

As temperatures fall to the lowest in years, the Winter Fuel Allowance of £250 per household is paid to all over-60s regardless of whether they need it or not. It's hoped that wealthier recipients who don't need their allowance will follow Ann's example and use their payment to help those in greater need in Devon.

Martha Wilkinson, Chief Executive of Devon Community Foundation, "This is amazing news and I'd like to thank everyone who is boosting the appeal in this way. Right now there are 150,000 pensioners living alone in Devon, thousands of children living in poverty and many others who won't have the lovely Christmas most of us take for granted. If just 100 more people donated their Winter Fuel Allowance over the next week , the Western Morning News Appeal will top the £20,000 mark before Christmas and ensure those most in need in the County continue to get the help they need both now and all year round."

Ann comments, "This is a really easy way for those who don't need the payment to support people who are vulnerable and in need both this Christmas and into the next year and to support the county's amazing volunteers in their work."

Money raised through the Western Morning News Christmas Unwrapped appeal will go to Devon and Cornwall Community Foundation to support volunteers on the frontline helping those in Devon and Cornwall who might otherwise fall through the gaps - including isolated elderly people, young carers, those who are homeless, those with mental health problems and children and families living below the poverty line.

Anyone who would like to donate their Winter Fuel Allowance Payment should make a cheque payable to Devon Community Foundation or go to www.justgiving.com/Christmas-Unwrapped.

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