A CHARITY drive which urges people who do not need their winter fuel payments to give the cash to good causes has already raised £5,000, supporters revealed this week.
Bosses at the Buckinghamshire Community Foundation are hoping to raise £30,000 through its Big Heat campaign.
Pensioners who can afford to donate the government grant – which is not means tested – have been urged to help out. Foundation director Richard Dickson said: “It’s still early days because the winter fuel payments have only just started to be sent automatically to pensioners’ bank accounts.
“We’ve written to all the local libraries. Rotary Clubs and other groups where people meet who might like to support the appeal and people can also give online at www.buckscf.org.uk.
The foundation has pledged to give cash raised from the appeal to charities in the county which help elderly people.
Bucks celebrities Sir Terry Wogan and Sir David Jason have pledged to give their payments to the campaign.
Winter Fuel Payments have been slammed by high-profile critics, including Sir Alan Sugar, who say it should be means tested.
Among the groups to benefit from last year’s campaign, which raised £10,000, was the Community Unity projects group, based on the Quarrendon estate in Aylesbury.
The Lunch Club, funded by the Big Heat Fund and organised by Community Unity Projects meets weekly and entertains up to 26 guests each week.
For more information about the Big heat appeal, call Mr Dickson on 01296 330134.