SINCE the November launch of Project Wenceslas, when Farnham Lions invited those pensioners who felt they did not need their winter fuel allowances to donate them to the Lions, the club has received generous donations totalling £17,023.

These funds are now being distributed to help families and individuals who are seriously struggling to cook and keep warm this winter.

Those in need are identified to Lions by the Citizens Advice Bureau and other agencies such as Sure Start Children’s Centres and Home/School link workers.

So far 30 donations have been or, are in the process of being, made thus enabling over 90 people to stay warm and cook hot dinners.

The fund is still open to receive donations and donors can contribute on-line via the website www.justgiving.com/lions-wenceslas or by sending cheques payable to Lions Club of Farnham and endorsed WFP on the back to The Lion Treasurer 15 Abbotts Ride Farnham GU9 8HY.

All payments are made on behalf of clients direct to the fuel utility companies so that donors can be reassured that every penny goes to the advertised purpose of fuel cost relief.

Tony Burke of the Lions Club of Farnham said: “Farnham Lions are most appreciative of the support received from The Herald group and Riverprint for their valuable sponsorship of this excellent initiative and are especially grateful to the numerous donors who have helped to make Project Wenceslas such a practical contribution to the needs of the community in Farnham and Haslemere.”