LAST November the Lions Clubs of Farnham and Haslemere raised more than £20,000 through their Project Wenceslas which ihas now been running for three years.

The appeal invites pensioners to pass on their winter fuel payments for the benefit of those who need the assistance far more than themselves during the cold winter months. The Lions linked up with Farnham’s Citizens Advice Bureau and Farnham Sure Start Children’s Centre to try and eliminate fuel debt and improve fuel poverty remaining in the area.

Since the November appeal they have been able to clear the CAB debt register by paying off more than 30 gas/electricity accounts and have been able to make many top up payments on pre-payment cards and sticks for a number of families noted by Sure Start Children’s Home, School Link workers and a mental health team.

Member of Farnham Lions and Wenceslas chairman, Barbara Wright said: “We were overjoyed with the response, and on receiving over £20,000 my team began their work clearing fuel debts and fuel poverty in the Farnham and Haslemere area. I am delighted to be able to report that we now have spent all bar £100 of the donated monies and every pound went on fuel.

“We wish to offer a big thank you to our 120 donors for enabling us to do what the Lions Club of Farnham like to do best, helping those less fortunate than ourselves. If it were not for the generosity of these pensioners we would not have been able to achieve this success. Nobody likes to struggle to keep warm and we certainly do not like to think of local people having to do so.”

The Lions would also like to thank their sponsors who have greatly assisted the Lions by helping to get their message across and the social services agencies who have identified the recipients for them.