Fundraising underway for Over 80s Christmas Parcel Fund

The Newbury Weekly News and sister publication Newbury Business Today are in the process of fundraising and gathering support for the Over 80s Christmas Parcel Appeal, which provides and delivers Christmas parcels to older people within the local Berkshire community.

Reliant on the support of local people and businesses within the community, the distribution of parcels is not means tested and in the past the appeal has raised more than £20,000 to supply over 2,000 parcels each with a value of £10.

James Gurney, managing director of the Newbury Weekly News said: “We (and when I say ‘we’ I refer to the greater local community that actively support the parcel appeal) believe that Christmas is a special time of year and it is an opportunity to reach out and show many local pensioners that both local businesses and the local community are here to help support and care about them.”

The Over 80s Christmas Parcel Fund was originally established as the ‘Two Ts Fund’ in 1897 to provide tea for older ladies and tobacco for older men residing in the local workhouse, an idea created by Frank Stillman, one of the first editors of the newspaper.

The appeal has developed and expanded since being established in 1897 and now sees parcels be delivered to people over 80 within Thatcham, Newbury, Hungerford and the surrounding villages.

During the 2013 appeal, over £20,000 was donated toward the appeal with approximately 60 per cent of donations being received by local business and the rest from fundraising events and members of the public.

Parcels are delivered to older people aged 80 and over within the community who live independently and cook for themselves, whilst tins of chocolates are taken to care homes for residents to share.

Each parcel contains a Christmas main meal, items for an afternoon tea as well as mince pies, chocolates and biscuits for recipients to enjoy.

Mr Gurney added: “It is a small gesture that makes a big difference particularly to individuals that perhaps do not have the support of family at this time of year. If we can bring a smile to the faces of more than 2,000 local people it’s a fantastic achievement.”

The Royal Voluntary Service recently reported that over 300,000 people spent last Christmas alone, with the main reason given that their families lived too far away or in another country.

Furthermore, UK food poverty charity, Fareshare reports that nearly 6 million people live in ‘deep poverty’, unable to afford food essentials, highlighting the need for the appeal.

The Over 80s Christmas Parcel Fund has been running for over 100 years and the treats within the parcels are still gratefully received by many, despite the contents having changed over the years.

This year’s appeal was launched in October at Sainsbury’s, Newbury, where donations can be made and parcels will be packaged ready for delivery on Saturday 13th December.

The parcels will be delivered by a team of volunteers made up of members of local clubs and schools, including the Rotary Club, Newbury Cub Scouts and members of the local community.

For more information or to make a donation, contact: jo.fulker@newburynews.co.uk