Businesses across Derby have gone above and beyond to help the most vulnerable as they try to get through the cost of living crisis this winter.
With the cost of the weekly shop soaring, temperatures dropping and gas and electricity prices at record highs, more and more families are struggling to stay warm and feed their families.
Between them the local companies raised £28,000 for a campaign launched by city council community homes provider Derby Homes to buy 500 slow cookers, 500 air fryers and 500 electric blankets/throws which are now being delivered to residents across the city.
Companies that have so far responded with donations include Buildbase, ARCUS Consulting, EEM, Nationwide Windows, Eurocell, Marley, Buxton Decorators, SPK Contractors, JAL Roofing, Vaillant Group, Bell Group and Westville Group.
There is still time for more firms to get involved in the campaign by contacting Community Action Derby on 01332 346266.
Derby Homes chairman Mike Ainsley said: “It has been a difficult few years for us all, however 2022 remains an anxious time as the country begins to see the growing cost of living pressures.
“As a collective group we are doing everything we can to help residents through the crisis. There’s still time for local firms to get involved too to help the cause.
“Heating an individual by using the blankets can save people hundreds off their energy bill when compared to solely relying on central heating. We hope they can make a real difference.
“Likewise, alternative cooking appliances such as slow cookers and air-fryers can be a cheaper way of heating food than traditional electric or gas ovens, especially for smaller meals.
“The amount of energy home appliances use varies massively. Using a slow cooker, for example, for eight hours costs around 44p, which is a big reduction compared to when using an electric oven which costs around £1.03.
“Meanwhile it costs 3.5 p per hour for a heated throw on full power compared to 70p per hour for a 2kw electric fan heater.
“The items will be handed out to the most vulnerable, to the people who will benefit from them most.
“This includes elderly people, or those with specific medical conditions which make them immobile, very unwell, or feel cold.”
