Schools competition in full flow
Cumbria Community Foundation has extended the deadline for entries into its Winter Warmth Fund Competition until February half term 2013.
The competition, being run with the generous support of The Cumberland Pencil Company, requires schools to build a house out of any material and pop a hat on top - just like the Winter Warmth Fund logo.
One school in each of the six council districts will be chosen by a distinguished panel of Cumbrians to receive a prize of £200 worth of pencils.
Director of Cumbria Community Foundation, Andy Beeforth, said: “All schools have to do is email a photo of their creation and they could win. Lego and Duplo are popular choices of building blocks, though we know of one house that is being made from pencils! Some schools have enlisted mums and grandmas to knit special hats - bringing together young and old to think about how we keep warm in the winter. And that’s the important part of this competition - raising awareness across the county of the need to keep our older people warm. We have a special fund - the Winter Warmth Fund - which gives grants to those people who can’t afford their fuel bills.”
This week Carlisle United players Jon-Paul McGovern and Rory Loy showed their support for the Winter Warmth Fund by holding a specially made house and hat on the pitch at Brunton Park.
Manager Greg Abbott said: "Every now and then you hear of an appeal or a charity which really strikes a chord and this was one of them for us.
"It's so important to get this message across because this is a fund which saves lives and changes things for the better. The lads were delighted when they were asked to help and we hope this serves to raise awareness of what is a fantastic cause."
To see some of the creations already entered visit http://www.cumbriafoundation.org/winter-warmth-fund/schools-competition/gallery (The Bishop of Carlisle at Westminster Abbey, Henry Blofield in Kendal, The Mayor of Workington, University of Cumbria in Carlisle and some school entries).
To donate to the Winter Warmth Fund:
Donate online - http://www.justgiving.com/winterwarmthfund
Donate by text - simply send a text message to 70070 including our code WINT37; eg - WINT37 £5 to 70070. You can donate £2, £5 or £10.
Donate by cheque - payable to: ‘Cumbria Community Foundation’ and write ‘Winter Warmth’ on the back. Post to: Cumbria Community Foundation, Dovenby Hall, Dovenby, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0PN.
For ideas on how people can stay safe and warm this winter and how you can help people in your community, visit our website: www.cumbriafoundation.org
