The Big Chill has taken hold of the country stranding thousands of people in their homes making even the most essential journeys a struggle.

Amongst those most affected by this winter freeze are the elderly, with many thousands living in fuel poverty.

As temperatures fall, they are left to make the choice between having enough to eat and staying warm and many are increasingly frightened to go out because of the cold weather and are left to face social isolation.

Fresh from winning its Community Impact Award at OCVA’s First Annual Charity Awards 2010, the Oxfordshire Community Foundation has launched an appeal asking those who can forgo their winter fuel allowance, to donate all or part of it to a fund, which will help and support elderly and vulnerable people in Oxfordshire. The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free state benefit paid automatically each winter to all eligible older people to help them keep warm in the winter. This is a vital payment for many. However, in some cases the Winter Fuel Payment is not a necessity, and because of this OCF is asking anyone who can do without to donate all or part of their allowance. Among those choosing to donate are the Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev John Pritchard, and the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Tim Stevenson, both commenting respectively: “Through the Oxfordshire Community Foundation we can divert our payment to people in real need this cold season when there is more danger of people being short of the basics.”

“This is an imaginative idea that will enable those of us fortunate enough not to need our winter fuel allowance to help those who plainly do.”

Oxford City Council is supporting the scheme and donation forms are available at the Town Hall. With the Christmas spirit in the air, why not join a growing tribe of kindred spirits intent on warming hearts and toes by supporting the Surviving Winter Appeal, following in the footsteps of the Lord Lieutenant and Bishop of Oxford. Oxfordshire Community Foundation is the main channel for grass roots grant making to small charities and community groups in Oxfordshire run by a local people. They support any type of non-profit group that’s taking action to make life better for local people of Oxfordshire. They will be working with Age UK Oxfordshire to set up a network to identify winter need and target the money received most effectively.

For more information on OCF please visit www.oxfordshire.org