Local charities are feeling the pinch, general donations to charities across the country are down and with uncertainty over Brexit, a General Election and public sector financial pressure leading to reductions in funding to some third sector bodies, Age Connects is feeling upbeat from the support received at its recent Fundraising Christmas Gala Dinner held at the Copthorne Hotel in Cardiff on Friday 29th November 2019.
CEO of Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale, Jeff Hawkins says “this is our second Gala Dinner. It can be a risky commitment for a small charity and a lot of work goes into securing event sponsors, quality auction prizes and of course attracting people to attend. However, I am pleased to say our corporate sponsors, volunteers, staff and their guests did us proud. The event was a fun filled festive occasion and also a great success in terms of much needed income raised to support our work in Cardiff and the Vale helping vulnerable older people”
McClure Solicitors, who provide the Age Connects free Will making service, and Bolt Removals were the event’s sponsors and Stewart Moore from McClures explains why they felt compelled to get involved. “We have only been working with Age Connects for a short time but the wonderful work that this local charity does struck a chord with us as many of our clients are older in age and may experience some difficulties. The team of staff and volunteers do a sterling job and go above and beyond making the lives of thousands of older people a better and more positive one and we were thrilled to play a part in this vital work”.
Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale has always been well and truly at the heart of the Cardiff and Vale local communities supporting older people for over 45 years to reduce social isolation, loneliness and promote independence and wellbeing.
In these particularly uncertain times and with funding of the charity’s vital services being under significant pressure and cut backs, Age Connects has been reaching out to local businesses and the general public to urge them to keep the charitable support they have available within the local community where it can make an immediate and noticeable difference to the lives of older and vulnerable loved ones, friends and neighbours.
Karen Steele, Marketing and Partnerships Manager stresses: “We are so grateful for the support shown to our local charity by supporters, staff and volunteers alike! It makes such an almighty difference to us and we strive to ensure that every supporter we work with finds the partnership mutually rewarding, open and approachable. We are always open to forming new partnerships and attracting new volunteers so please do get in touch if you feel you or your organisation can help us help older people in need”.
