THE Isle of Wight County Press is today launching our Put in a Pound campaign to help fight poverty in our region.

We are asking you to ‘put in a pound’ to support charities facing unprecedented demand amid the cost-of-living crisis.

Almost a quarter (22 per cent) of children on the Isle of Wight now live below the poverty line.

How to dontate with the County Press

More than 30,000 local children and young people are being hurt by poverty in our region.

By donating £1, you will be supporting families choosing between heating and eating, older people at risk in cold homes, and children without warm clothes.

We are working with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF), an independent charitable foundation connecting donors with the local causes and charities they care about.

The foundation, which awards grants to help people in need, has thousands of pounds available to match fund your generous donations, meaning your cash will go even further towards helping great causes in the Isle of Wight and across Hampshire. 

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Jacqui Scott, HIWCF CEO, said: "As the cost of living crisis hits hard, many people are turning to their local community groups for help and support to simply put food on their table.

"One food bank we support has seen a 14 per cent rise in take-up since April 2021. And that’s why the work of HIWCF supporting the charitable and voluntary organisations around the region is so crucial. These groups offer a lifeline to individuals and communities every single day.

"As a region, we’re facing fuel and energy crises like we haven’t seen in decades and this is resulting in serious financial difficulty. Many people, for the first time, find themselves in the impossible situation of choosing to either keep warm or buy food.

"That’s why we're asking those who are able, to Put In A Pound and help us and Newsquest support the most vulnerable across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight."

County Press editor Alan Marriott said: "Times are tough and I wouldn't ask you for your support lightly.

"Putting in a pound for this campaign can make a real difference to the people living in our area.

"The cost of living crisis is a daily battle for many, and so if you can't contribute please help spread the word to those who may be able to help."