Struggling families have never before needed more help with their fuel bills, the Farnham Lions has said as it launches its 11th Project Wenceslas campaign in today’s Herald.

The unprecedented rise in fuel prices and the general rise in the cost of living are going to make this a very difficult winter for many families.

Government assistance is welcome and will cushion part of the blow – but there is still a gap to be filled.

Consequently, for the 11th year, Farnham Lions are proud to be launching Project Wenceslas again in the Farnham and Haslemere areas.

The Lions are inviting those who receive a Winter Fuel Payment to donate it to their Wenceslas Fund to help local people who will be finding it hard to keep warm and cook in the coming months.

They also welcome donations to this cause from anyone else who would like to help.

Last year, Farnham Lions distributed some £52,000 in respect of families with fuel debt referred to the club by Citizens Advice and the Farnham Support Fund, as well as a large number of discretionary grants to needy families identified by the food bank, local Barnardo’s family centres, Home-School link workers and other agencies.

These payments enabled some 450 people to have hot meals and stay warm over last winter.

This year’s Wenceslas appeal was officially launched by Haslemere town mayor Councillor Jacquie Keen and past Lions’ president Ray Brown at Haslemere Town Hall and by Farnham mayor Cllr Alan Earwaker and current Lions’ president Mandy Main at Elphicks in Farnham, along with members of Farnham Lions Club.

Haslemere mayor Jacquie Keen with members of the Farnham Lions
Haslemere mayor Jacquie Keen with members of the Farnham Lions (Farnham Lions)

Cllr Keen said: “I would like to thank the Farnham Lions for their 11th year of supporting vulnerable people in our area.

“This year it is particularly needed because of the energy and food crisis.

“The Lions’ Wenceslas appeal once again invites people to donate their winter fuel payments. Last year, your kind donations allowed the Lions to distribute £52,000 to families with fuel debts.

“This winter is likely to have a greater impact on families, and the Lions will be grateful to receive your donations.”

Tony Burke, chairman of Farnham Lions’ Project Wenceslas, said: “Donors can be assured that ALL funds raised are used to help relieve fuel debt and poverty by making payments directly to the utility companies. Lions meet all overheads so every penny is spent on gas and electricity.”

Donations can be made online at https://www.lionsgiving.co.uk/Appeal/farnhamwenceslas or by cheque (payable to Farnham Lions Club CIO and endorsed WFP on the back) sent to Lion Treasurer, Brooklands, Dene Lane West, Farnham, GU10 3PS. For more details, see the leaflet inside this week’s Herald.