19 June 2012
Somerset Community Foundation and Community Foundation Network have been jointly acknowledged at The Charity Awards, taking the top prize in the Grantmaking and Funding category. Actor and comedian Nick Hancock presented the winner’s trophy at a glittering award ceremony on 14 June 2012.
The Charity Awards, organised by Civil Society Media, recognised community foundations for their UK-wide campaign Surviving Winter, which supported older and vulnerable people struggling to meet their fuel bills.
Pioneered by Somerset Community Foundation, the campaign involved the recycling of winter fuel payments in order to raise funds to assist those most in need. Developed into a UK-wide campaign across more than 40 community foundations, it raised over £2.5m, successfully helping an estimated 7,500 people.
A spokesperson for CFN said:
“Each year around 25,000 more people die in winter than in other months and 90 per cent are over 60 years old. In many colder countries the increase in mortality is much lower, indicating these deaths are avoidable. For the first time, community foundations collaborated and used local expertise to address an issue of national concern.
Winning such a prestigious award is testament to the hard work and dedication of all those involved. It’s a real thrill and it’s wonderful to know that the work we are doing is being appreciated.”