DAILY MIRROR CHRISTMAS APPEAL
CHRISTMAS should be a joyous time of presents, food, family and entertainment.
But this year, many families are facing a bleak festive season.
They are worried about how they will pay bills and heat their homes – and that is why we are calling on warm-hearted Mirror readers to help ensure nobody is left out in the cold this winter.
This year, our Christmas Appeal is for the Warm Welcome project, which offers cosy community spaces.
Hundreds of Warm Welcome venues are opening their doors across the UK – for free.
They include libraries, places of worship, community centres and small businesses.
Your support will help pay for the cost of heating the buildings and, where possible, provide food, hot drinks and toys for children.
More than 16 million people will be in fuel poverty this winter, meaning they cannot afford to heat their homes to an adequate temperature.
A survey found 40% of households will be living in cold homes this winter due to soaring energy costs. But thanks to Warm Welcome those people – both young and old – will have a place where they can keep warm, and find support and friendship. Backing our appeal, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: “I want to thank Mirror readers for supporting Warm Welcome. When things have been difficult, Mirror readers have stepped in and stepped up.” Warm Welcome is coordinated by the Good Faith Partnership and supported by groups such as the Salvation Army, Libraries Connected, Muslim Council of Britain, Neighbourly, Christians Against Poverty, Acts 435, Safe Families, Edge Ministries and the Together Coalition. Isobel Hunter, head of Libraries Connected, said: “We’re proud to be a partner of the Warm Welcome network, which plays such a vital role.” Dr Eli Gardner, co-founder of Kids Matter, added: “Places for families to go that are local, warm and welcoming will make a big difference.” mirrornews@mirror.co.uk @DailyMirror ■ Find your nearest centre or volunteer at warmwelcome.uk