18 Jan LOCAL WILKO STORES DONATE WINTER WARMTH KITS TO CORNISH COMMUNITY

When Citizens Advice Cornwall’s Energy Adviser, Rachel Read, approached stores to see if they could contribute items to help those in need this winter, her appeal was picked-up by Wilko who got the ball rolling straightaway.

Store managers from across the South West sourced items from hot water bottles to halogen heaters and fleeces to draft excluders, hats and gloves and Wilko staff in Truro co-ordinated delivery and packing. Some staff also contributed their own money to the effort, worth around £1,200 in total.

Rachel received the 20 boxes from the Truro store and these have now been distributed to Citizens Advice offices across the county to hand out to people who really need them this year.

Rachel said: “I was delighted by Wilko’s quick response to my request and blown-over by their generosity, which I know will be very much welcomed by our clients. It’s great to know we have support from businesses and their staff who want to help others in the community.”

Wilko Regional Manager, Chris Harbury, said: “As soon as my team heard of the need faced by some members of our communities they were more than happy to support the amazing work that Citizens Advice Cornwall carry out on a daily basis. The generosity of our team members when called on to help always amazes me. They have done a fabulous job.”

The kits will go a long way to help support families that may not be able to afford the heating bills this winter.

Citizens Advice Cornwall Chief Executive, Gill Pipkin, said: “This winter will be a tough one for many, with energy prices through the roof and the full impact of the cost-of-living crisis still undetermined. We’re very grateful to Wilko’s South West region for the contribution to this project, as it will go a long way to support families in crisis.

“This is a great example of communities and businesses pulling together to help make an important difference to those who need it during particularly difficult times”.

 Anyone who needs help with energy bills should check information available on the Citizens Advice website at citizensadvice.org.uk or contact Citizens Advice Cornwall by texting the word ADVICE to 78866. An adviser will call back within 10 working days.