More than £2m has been donated in winter fuel allowances to the Surviving Winter campaign in under five months.

The campaign launched in November 2011, organised by the Community Foundation Network (CFN) and backed by Saga, the organisation for the over 50s. It attracted support from a wide range of public figures including Joanna Lumley, Vivien Westwood, Gloria Hunniford, Sir Stuart Rose, June Whitfield, Dame Vera Lynn, Peter Stringfellow, Sir Michael Parkinson, Sir David Jason and Ann Widdecombe.

Dame Helen Mirren said: “When I heard about the Surviving Winter Appeal I wanted to be involved and was happy to donate because I believe passionately that we need to support the vulnerable and elderly in our local communities. Those who can afford to should be encouraged to help those more in need and it is wonderful to be part of such a caring initiative right across the country.”

CFN is using the money to award small grants to vulnerable people who cannot afford their fuel bills. Some of the money is also going to local charitable organisations working with older and vulnerable people such as local stroke clubs, lunch clubs, community centres, community transport schemes and faith groups.

CFN chief executive Stephen Hammersley said: “The response to the Surviving Winter Appeal and the overwhelming generosity of the British public has been fantastic, and means that community foundations, working with local charities and community organisations, are helping thousands of people this winter.”