# Winter relief: how to help > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief/seasonal-winter > Last reviewed: 2026-06-19 ## In short For families who have lost their homes to floods or earthquakes, or who already live in poverty, winter becomes a life-threatening emergency of its own. In the cold, mountainous parts of Pakistan and beyond, freezing temperatures put young children and older people at serious risk — especially those sheltering in tents or damaged buildings. Warm blankets, shelter and warm food are simple things that save lives. World Aid Network's seasonal relief funds these winter essentials through trusted local partner organisations. Winter does not make headlines the way a flood or earthquake does, but for families who are already vulnerable it can be just as deadly. Those displaced by disaster — living in tents, temporary shelters or damaged homes — face the cold with almost no protection. In high-altitude and northern regions, temperatures fall well below freezing. For a young child or an older person already weakened by hardship, that cold can be fatal. The good news is that the things that protect families through winter — blankets, warm clothing, shelter and warm food — are simple and affordable. This guide explains why winter is so dangerous for displaced families and how to help. ## At a glance - The risk: Cold can be fatal - Most at risk: Children & older people - Key items: Blankets, shelter, warm food - When: Winter months ## How to help families through winter - Donate to a winter relief appeal: Give to a seasonal appeal that funds winter survival essentials. A cash gift lets partners buy warm items locally and reach families before the coldest weeks. - Fund warm blankets and clothing: Warm blankets and clothing are among the cheapest and most effective ways to protect displaced families from the cold. - Fund heating and weatherproof shelter: Help families stay warm and dry by funding shelter repairs, weatherproofing and basic heating. - Fund warm, nutritious food: Cold weather increases the body's energy needs. Funding warm, nutritious meals helps vulnerable families, especially children, stay healthy through winter. - Give monthly to prepare ahead: Winter arrives on the same calendar every year. A regular gift means winter relief can be ready and delivered before the temperature drops. ## Why winter is deadly for displaced families Families who have lost their homes often have no way to keep warm. Tents and damaged buildings offer little protection from freezing nights, wind and snow. Without adequate blankets, clothing or heating, the cold causes illness and, for the most vulnerable, can be fatal. Young children and older people are most at risk. Cold also worsens existing illness and makes infections more dangerous, while the extra energy needed to stay warm strains families who are already short of food. ## What a winter relief package provides World Aid Network's seasonal relief focuses on the essentials that keep families safe through the coldest months: - Warm blankets and winter clothing - Shelter repairs and weatherproofing - Basic heating where it can be provided safely - Warm, nutritious food for vulnerable family members ## How World Aid Network delivers seasonal relief Seasonal relief is delivered through trusted local partner organisations who know which families are most at risk and can buy warm items locally, ahead of the coldest weeks. Because winter is predictable, preparing in advance means help arrives in time. Donations given for emergency and seasonal relief are restricted to that purpose. World Aid Network is a UK Charitable Incorporated Organisation governed by named trustees, with charity registration in progress. ## Key takeaways - For displaced and poor families, winter is a life-threatening emergency, not just discomfort. - Young children and older people are most at risk from the cold. - Warm blankets, shelter, heating and warm food are simple, affordable ways to save lives. - Winter is predictable, so preparing relief in advance means it arrives in time. - World Aid Network funds winter essentials through trusted local partners. ## Frequently asked questions ### How can I help families through winter? Donate to a winter relief appeal. A financial gift lets local partners buy warm blankets, clothing, shelter materials and warm food, and reach the most vulnerable families before the coldest weeks arrive. Because winter comes every year, giving monthly helps relief be ready in advance — and sharing the appeal extends its reach. ### Why is winter dangerous for displaced families? Families who have lost their homes often shelter in tents or damaged buildings with little protection from freezing temperatures, wind and snow. Without warm blankets, clothing or heating, the cold causes serious illness and can be fatal — especially for young children and older people. ### What does winter relief include? Winter relief typically provides warm blankets and clothing, shelter repairs and weatherproofing, basic safe heating where possible, and warm, nutritious food. These essentials protect vulnerable family members through the coldest months. ### When is the best time to donate for winter relief? Earlier is better. Because winter arrives on a predictable calendar, donating ahead of the coldest weeks allows partners to buy and pre-position warm items so they reach families in time. A regular monthly gift is an ideal way to make sure winter relief is always ready. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds emergency relief through trusted local partners in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health.