Crowdfunder is waiving its platform fees for community and charity crowdfunding projects during the coronavirus crisis. The Covid-19 epidemic could affect millions of people in the next few weeks.
These are unprecedented times but together, we are stronger, and the response is coming from communities across the country.
Volunteer groups are springing up to tackle the logistical problems faced in our communities – but they need urgent support. That's where we come in.
The Cornwall Wood Bank has been created in response to real financial hardship where families and those living alone are having to choose between heating or eating. Keeping warm and fed are two of our most basics needs and many now face the reality that their income does not allow enough for food and heating. There are vulnerable and ill people, maybe even your own neighbours or in your local community too ashamed to admit they are struggling to heat their homes. Cornish granite cottages are particularly hard to keep warm and not very energy efficient. So too are park homes where many Cornish residents can simply not afford the gas or electric heating costs.
How does it work?
The Cornwall Wood Bank works like a food bank. Donations are made from the general public and from customers of Cornish Firewood; the business and team behind this project and idea. Referrals are made via Cornwall Council, Job Centre, benefits teams, Community Energy Plus and other charities.
Why are we crowdfunding?
However we find ourselves overwhelmed with demand for this service and donations are limited to our customers and company donations from Cornish Firewood. We have decided we need to advertise this project and ask for you support to enable us to help more families and individuals. We have a waiting list of people who need our help to keep warm. Where wood fuel is the only source of heating. Burning wet wood or that bought cheaply is dangerous to health. We need to ensure the correct good quality fuel is available to all.
How will donations be used?
The money raised will immediately enable us to support more people. We are aiming to raise enough to double the number of households to benefit. £200 buys enough discounted wood fuel to support a family household for 2 to 3 months. We can start delivering right away a the need is now in the midst of Winter. Going forward if we exceed targets we can look to gaining more volunteer drivers and deliver to more households and reach West and North Cornwall often the greatest in need are those most remote based geographically. We can also secure some great new eco products that are super energy efficient and offer these free through the wood bank scheme.
A small gift of a donation could make such a difference and for many that are supported this is a short term circumstance change. For others their illness or conditions mean they are unable to support and help themselves.
The Wood Bank is a real life line for many but we are turning people away and have people desperate for help. Together as a community project we can help and reach those most vulnerable. We have the links with Cornish Firewood to deliver and supply this wood fuel we just need more donations to reach more households.
How can we help or donate?
Donations can be made on our Crowdfunder page and link also on the Cornish Firewood website online store. Others ways of helping is volunteering for delivering the wood fuel to those in need or donating some of your wood fuel payment or fuel if you have more than needed.
Thank you for reading our story and we hope you can support our project at some point if not today. Do keep in touch with our page and social media links so we can keep you up to take with progress and feedback on those we have helped and supported this year.