Firms urged: Donate Xmas party cash to help the vulnerable

Businesses with unused Christmas party funds have been urged to use the cash to help the city’s most vulnerable.

Milton Keynes Community Foundation says any donations will be used to ensure people stay “warm, safe and well”.

Launching its Surviving Winter campaign, the foundation said every year many local people have to choose between heating and eating.

According to the foundation’s latest Vital Signs report, eight areas in Milton Keynes are in the 10 per cent of the most deprived in England - particularly for housing affordability, overcrowding and homelessness.

Philanthropy manager Emily Purchase said: “With people spending more time at home self-isolating, heating bills will go up and feelings of isolation and loneliness will increase.

“MK Community Foundation is calling on local businesses and individuals to help those in need survive winter by donating what they can.

“The fund will be used to help keep people warm, safe and well, through food parcels, mental health support, domestic violence support, and helping the homeless community.

“Does your company have a Christmas party fund that will go unused? Do you receive a winter fuel payment that you don’t need? Have you saved money working from home?

“If yes, please donate what you don’t need to people who will really struggle without support. Together, we can help local people survive this winter.”

To find out more visit www.mkcommunityfoundation.co.uk.