How corporate volunteers helped thousands of households last winter
This Volunteers’ Week, our Head of Fundraising and Partnership, Jen Carruthers Jones reflects on the incredible support from our corporate volunteers that has meant that National Energy Action could get our Winter Warmth Support Packs out to thousands of households.
Last winter was incredibly tough for millions of people struggling to keep warm, safe and healthy in their homes. Our supporters and donors rose to the challenge, and we received phenomenal support for our Winter Warmth Support Pack campaign.
As bills spiralled amid the energy crisis, we knew that many of our clients would struggle to put the heating on even after taking steps to manage their energy use and claim the support available to them. So, in addition to offering advice and financial support, we decided to create packs to give essential household items to those most in need.
The packs included:
- Thermometer cards
- Blankets
- Vacuum flasks
- LED lightbulbs
- Draughtproofing strips
- Radiator reflector panels
- Packets of soup
- Hot chocolate sachets
Through public donations and corporate support, we secured funding to provide more Winter Warmth Support Packs than ever before. However, it would take an army of volunteers to ensure that we could get the packs out to vulnerable households who needed help.
Everyone at National Energy Action – me included – would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers, who gave up their time to come to our North East warehouse to help. Last year, we had volunteers from Virgin Money, Baker Hughes, Switchee, Northern Powergrid, National Grid, Siemens Energy, E.ON Energy and Zenergi.
The clients who received the packs were hugely thankful. One said, ‘It has helped me incredibly. The warm hoodie blanket especially has helped me keep warm at night. For someone who can’t move as much due to health, this has honestly been a lifesaver. Thank you for all the hard work you do and for all the help you have provided me last year. I truly appreciate the time and patience.’
We’re always grateful for the fantastic work that we’re able to do through our partnerships, and this is a particularly tangible demonstration of how the work we do can really change the lives of households in fuel poverty.