THE Lions Club of Alton has this week launched its third annual Wenceslas campaign – an initiative that invites people who receive the Government’s winter fuel payment but don’t actually need it to consider donating it to help people in fuel poverty.

Supported by the Alton Herald and Alton Citizens Advice, the aim will be to help those people living in the community who may, through economic hardship, find it difficult to keep warm this winter.

Like other Lions clubs around the country, Alton Lions will work closely with Citizens Advice to ensure that any money donated goes directly to those in need.

As with last year, the opportunity to support this campaign has been widened as Alton is joined by the Woolmer Forest Lions, covering the Bordon-Whitehill and Liphook area. The two clubs have pooled resources by producing one leaflet, inviting donations to the club in the area in which you live, and to be distributed by Citizens Advice.

The hope is to emulate last year’s success when, thanks to the generosity of people in and around the town, the Alton campaign raised more than £3,000 which was used to help reduce fuel debt.

David Callow, of Alton Citizens Advice, said: “Citizens Advice deals with many clients with debt problems and the cost of fuel is an increasing issue. People are often in debt through no fault of their own as maybe there has been illness, disability or loss of a job. Another problem is a number of older people living in large houses which are expensive to heat while only having limited means.

“The initiative of Alton Lions has meant we could help these clients by using the money to pay the client’s supplier directly, thus reducing their arrears.”

Mr Callow added: “The partnership between Citizens Advice and the Lions means that details of names and addresses of the people getting help are kept confidential but Citizens Advice are confident they are in real need.”

On behalf of the Alton Herald, owner Sir Ray Tindle confirmed that he is a personal supporter of the Lions Wenceslas Appeal. He said: “I am delighted that the Lions Club is once again asking those who don’t actually require it to pass on the heat payment that senior citizens receive from the Government.

“I’m very pleased to do so and I know that the Lions are doing a great job in passing this on to those in need.”

This newspaper contains a leaflet, sponsored by the Alton Herald and DG Design and Print, Alton, outlining details of the campaign. Alternatively, call 0845 833 2701 or visit altonlions.org.uk.