THE Feast of Stephen is fast approaching and the 2015 Lions’ Wenceslas Project was officially launched by Haslemere Mayor Melanie Odell in the Town Hall council chamber, last Wednesday.

She complimented the Farnham Lions on their “imaginative and highly beneficial project” and sent “Good King Wenceslas” and his team of helpers on their way to relieve fuel debt and fuel poverty in the Haslemere area.

The Lions are inviting better-off pensioners in both towns to give some or all of their winter fuel payments to help families and individuals who are seriously struggling to cook and keep warm.

Last year, they raised £20,000 which enabled the CAB in both towns clear its joint fuel debt register and for the Lions to make numerous grants to families identified by Sure Start Centres and home/school link social workers.

Lions spokesman Michael Thom said: “This year the Lions hope to do at least as well. Donors are assured that all donations are forwarded on behalf of the beneficiaries direct to their relevant fuel utility companies. There are no overheads and every pound is spent on fuel.”

Details of the project are in the flier with today’s issue of The Herald. Donors can also contribute on-line at www.justgiving.com/ lions-wenceslas