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

Supported by the Alton Herald and Alton Citizens Advice, it aims to help people who may, through economic hardship, find it hard to keep warm this winter.

Alton Lions will work in close partnership with Citizens Advice to ensure that any money donated goes directly to those in need.

The hope is to emulate last year’s success when the Alton campaign raised £3,650 which was used to help reduce fuel debt and to provide fuel vouchers for those in the community in need of this form of support.

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 local 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, reducing their arrears.”

He 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 is 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.

“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,” he said. “I am 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, outlining details of the campaign. Or call 0845 833 2701 or visit altonlions.org.uk.