I have decided to host a Christmas event this year and need your support to make it happen!
I have always wanted to do something to help eliminate loneliness in older people and have often considered volunteering. As yet, I haven’t been able to make a regular commitment, but as I currently have some spare time on my hands so I’ve decided to organise and host a Christmas lunch for elderly residents in my local community. Specifically, for those who would otherwise be alone over the Christmas period. The thought of anyone feeling alone is heart-breaking, but especially the elderly and particularly at Christmas. Some rough numbers suggest there could be as many as 500,000 elderly people who spend Christmas Day alone every year in the UK.
The lunch will take place on Christmas Eve and my plan is to invite 30 guests, however, this will very much depend on the amount of funds raised. The venue will be The Rosendale pub in West Dulwich, who have been fabulous and given me a great deal. Each guest will be served a 3-course meal, a glass of fizz, tea/coffee and mince pies. Should we raise enough, I would love to be able to give each guest a small gift.
I will also be arranging transport to and from the pub for those that need it, so if anyone in my local area has a few hours to spare and would like to volunteer to do some driving on the day, please message me at desjosephuk@gmail.com.
And of course, if you know of any elderly people in the local area who may be in this situation over the Christmas period please let me know.
In the event we raise soooo much money and there are funds left over, I will send the remaining funds to St Christopher’s hospice in Sydenham. They transport their out patients to their centre and provide a Christmas lunch for those who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day.
So, if there’s any way you could show your support, no matter how big or small, it will truly be appreciated by me and I’m sure, some very happy local elderly residents.
Below is a link to the GoFundMe crowdfunding website where you can make a donation. You may need to copy and paste.
https://www.gofundme.com/elderly-friends-for-christmas&rcid=r01-154229456328-138217419d3b447a&pc=ot_co_campmgmt_w
Should you wish to verify this is a genuine event, please feel free to contact Ethan, the manager of The Rosendale pub in West Dulwich. Or, I can supply a reference from St Christopher’s hospice, who I’ve done fundraising for for many years.