A group in Peasedown St John has launched a fundraising appeal to help combat loneliness among the elderly, helping ensure they have someone to talk to and opportunities to ‘get out and about’.
Secretary of the village’s Residents’ Association, Nathan Hartley said: “We’ve set ourselves the ambitious target of raising £1,000 by 1st December!
“Part of the project involves cooking a hot Christmas meal during December for lonely, older and vulnerable people in Peasedown St John.
“In order for this to happen though, we need to secure the funds within the next six weeks, either in financial donations or in goods.”
Working across Peasedown St John, the group has hosted social events, brought members of the community together and seen other achievements too, such as:
- Organising Summer parties for families from disadvantaged backgrounds;
- Started work on a new dementia-friendly, sensory garden;
- Set up a job-search weekly drop-in where people looking for employment can use the internet for free;
- Raised money to support a new community library that will act a lifeline for those that need access to services;
- Last week, the Residents’ Association’s new Fundraising Team met to put together a plan of action to raise the necessary funds.
The team, which includes Joy Gosz; Karen Walker; Richard Clarke and Nathan Hartley, have written to local businesses, applied for grants and appealed to organisations like Curo to help them reach their target.
Cllr Karen Walker added: “If we can secure this funding, up to 100 people will be fed during December at a variety of events.
“Otherwise many could lose out due to having no family living nearby.
“Any donation will make a real difference to the lives of older and vulnerable people this winter time.
“Whether it’s a financial contribution or a donation of goods – we’d love to hear from you if you’d like to offer your support.”
The £1,000 will cover:
- Food/produce – £200;
- Freezer – £200;
- Toaster – £40;
- Microwave – £50;
- Kitchen utensils – £100;
- Saucepans – £60;
- Stainless steel table – £250;
- Printer – £100
For more information, and to support the appeal, email [email protected].