A Southwark-based charity who were raising thousands in a week to keep elderly people connected this winter have successfully reached their target.
Link Age Southwark – that provides support to older people in borough who are feeling lonely or isolated – took part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2022 last week.
The Big Give Christmas Challenge is the UK’s biggest online match funding campaign, where they double any amount of money raised by organisations taking part.
They were aiming to raise £10,000 in just one week to fund vital transport services – and they have done it.
The charity beat their target, so the Big Give Christmas challenge doubled it – bringing the total to £20,210.
The funds will go towards services such as their accessible minibus and escorted taxis so local people can leave their homes to attend a warm, safe and social space.
Local charity needs to raise £10,000 in just one week to help the elderly get around this winter
Edith, who Link Age Southwark works with, said: “It gets me out of my home where I’m usually on my own during the day.
“I look forward to being in the company of others – it makes me feel less lonely.
“It’s great that Link Age Southwark arrange free transport. If I had to pay it, I am not sure I would be able to attend.”
Sophie Wellings, Chief Executive of Link Age Southwark said they are ‘grateful’ to everyone who supported the campaign.
“We believe no older person should feel lonely,” she said.
“We’re doing all we can to ensure the people can continue to get out and about, and have warm, safe and welcoming places where they can enjoy exercise and social activities with others.
“This money is a wonderful festive boost to our work, and we’re so grateful to everyone who supported our campaign.”
Link Age Southwark relies on donations for the transport services it provides, as well as the other services they provide free of charge – these include a befriending scheme, hospital buddies for older people having elective surgery, digital support and a regular newsletter as well as one-to-one support with form filling and accessing local services.
You can make a donation at any time, or find out more about volunteering opportunities with Link Age Southwark HERE.
The Big Give Christmas Challenge is funded by patrons of the charity and the Lake House Charitable Foundation.
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