Rotary in Knowle and Dorridge, West Midlands have been supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the area through their successful Winter Warmth Campaign.
The club has joined forces with local charities in a series of community projects to provide thousands of essential food items, clothing, blankets, and heaters to their local communities.
Before Christmas, Knowle and Dorridge residents responded to the Club’s appeal for donations on behalf of Aston and Nechells Foodbank.
This resulted in more than 2,000 food items weighing 740kg, enough to support 50 single people or 20 families for three days during a crisis.
Volunteer administrator at Aston and Nechells Foodbank, Rosemary Cripps commented on the rising numbers of people needing help and the pressure the charity is under.
She said: “Numbers started rising in October and have continued month on month ever since.
“We have been helping people in Aston, Nechells and Ward End in inner city Birmingham since 2011 and this is our busiest year since opening.”
“The Winter Warmth campaign is helping to keep our vulnerable residents safe this winter.
Rosemary added: “Between April 1st and December 15th the Foodbank has helped 4,300 people experiencing food/cost of living crises.
“This is already 250 more than the total number helped for the entire year between April 2021 and March 2022.
“As we continue to experience this rise in demand, we are so grateful for the support of many different partners including the Rotary Club of Knowle and Dorridge.
“There has been a fantastic response by residents.”
Working in conjunction with Age UK Solihull and Solihull Social Services, the Rotarians have also recently funded 10 oil-filled radiators and some electric blankets and quilts.
Chief Executive Officer of Age UK, Anne Hastings explains the importance of Rotary’s support and the impact it has had on the circumstances.
She said: “We are so grateful to the Rotary Club of Knowle & Dorridge for purchasing these items for the Solihull Winter Warmth Campaign.
“We had started to run out of heaters which are so vital to our winter warmth response, as vulnerable older people can become quickly affected by the cold.
“This can lead to poor outcomes for their health and well-being.
“Being able to loan out these safe forms of heating while we sort fixing their heating systems is a lifesaver that makes a real difference to vulnerable Solihull households.”
The Rotarians, with the support of The Cricket Club of Knowle and Dorridge, have also managed to collect more than 70 children’s coats for the Children’s Storehouse in Solihull.
We have been helping people in Aston, Nechells and Ward End in inner city Birmingham since 2011 and this is our busiest year since opening.”
Children’s Storehouse is a charity that works with local agencies, organisations, and schools to support families experiencing financial hardship.
Club President, Robert Pannifer explained how the club’s support has a positive impact on the local communities and urges local communities to join in.
He said: “The Winter Warmth campaign is helping to keep our vulnerable residents safe this winter.
“ I’d urge friends, relatives and neighbours of ‘at risk’ residents to keep an eye out during the remaining winter months and call the Age UK Solihull helpline if there’s any concern.”
For further information about how to donate or to get involved with the work of The Rotary Club of Knowle and Dorridge visit their website.
