Donations to help vulnerable people meet energy costs increase by 1600%

Online fundraising platform JustGiving has reported a 1600% increase in the value of donations this year to help communities and vulnerable people meet the rising cost of energy.

While donations towards energy bills totalled £2,000 last year, in 2022 the tally is £75,000.

The platform has also reported that jut under 25,000 pages have been set up by crowd funders and charities to help people cope with the cost-of-living crisis.

In addition, more than £12m has been donated since January this year to help meet rent, mortgage payments, energy bills and food “with donations expected to rise” according to JustGiving.

The number of fundraising pages set up to help people gain access to food has increased by over a quarter (29%).

JustGiving anticipates more pages being set up to meet mortgage and rent payments over winter.

“The cost-of-living crisis is something that is affecting millions of people across the country right now and we’re seeing this reflected on our platform,” said JustGiving president and general manager Pascale Harvie.

“Whilst it’s heart-breaking that so many people are having to turn to charities and their communities for help, the generosity shown by individuals across the country is extraordinary.

“As we get deeper into the winter, the situation will likely worsen. We’re here to help support those individuals, communities and charities who are struggling.”

Among good causes setting up a page amid the cost-of-living crisis is Umbrella Café, a community café set up to tackle food insecurity and loneliness.

“The demand for our services is the highest it’s ever been and sadly, we have 20 households on our waiting list for access to our social pantry and low-cost food shop” said the charity’s director Charlotte Phillip.

“Unfortunately, due to our oven being on constant overdrive, it’s now failing and we’re in desperate need of a new one. Just a few days ago we set up a crowdfunding page to help pay for this, and already it’s reached £3000 in donations from individuals within our community which is just amazing.

“We’re so grateful that we can keep on cooking and supporting those who need us most.”