Cumbrian businesses are uniting to help vulnerable older people stay warm this winter.

The Winter Warmth Appeal, an annual initiative by Cumbria Community Foundation, has seen companies across the county donating generously.

The foundation aims to raise £500,000 to ensure older people don't have to choose between heating and eating during over winter.

All donations to the appeal made until December 13 will be doubled, thanks to the foundation's 'match fund champions'.

Companies across the region have donated to The Winter Warmth Appeal (Image: Supplied) These are businesses and organisations that have pledged to match, pound for pound, money given by the public.

The 'match fund champions' include WCF Ltd, John Laing Charitable Trust, Cumberland Council, Westmorland & Furness Council, Electricity North West, and others.

Dr Jenny Benson, director of programmes and partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: "This Giving Tuesday, we’d like to say an enormous thank you to everyone who has chosen to donate to our Winter Warmth Appeal so far.

"We know this winter is going to be incredibly hard for many older vulnerable members of our community who cannot afford to heat their homes adequately.

"This year, our appeal is more vital than ever before and I would urge anyone who is able to give to do so today."

Various businesses have already pledged their support.

Keswick Alhambra Cinema is once again donating the proceeds of their Christmas Day showings and will have collection buckets in the foyer throughout December.

Jonathan Moore and Graham King, two of the cinema’s co-owners, said: "We choose to support the Winter Warmth Appeal because it is an obvious fit with our objectives in opening the cinema.

"It is predominantly the older population we see on Christmas Day and some of them tell us they wouldn't have seen another person, if they had not come out to the cinema.

"We are also pleased that the money raised is spent very directly on supporting people in Cumbria so those who pay for tickets or make a donation can see that their gift is benefiting the community of which they are a part."

Sellafield Ltd has committed to donating to the appeal this winter, and for the next three years.

Ecological Building Systems, a Carlisle-based company, is also supporting the initiative.

Lorna Graham, deputy general manager of the company, said: "Ecological Building Systems are proud to again support Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Appeal.

"As a supplier of sustainable building products backed-up with full technical support for low energy retrofit and new build projects, we’re passionate about supporting the local community to stay safe and warm, especially this winter."

Other companies that have contributed include Atkins Realis, James Walker, and Center Parcs.

Glen Franklin, village director at Center Parcs Whinfell Forest, said: "We feel this is an extremely worthy cause, particularly this year with the changes to the winter fuel allowance."

The foundation has also expressed gratitude to the individuals, families, and community groups who have donated.

Last year, more than £315,000 in grants were awarded through delivery partners Age UK and Copeland Age & Advice Service.

According to the foundation, this benefitted 1,941 vulnerable older people.

People can donate online.

Alternatively, to donate by cheque or phone, call 01900 825760 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.