John Lewis launches appeal to give elderly a Happy Christmas

John Lewis has released unseen footage of its ‘Man on the Moon’ advert to appeal for donations to support older people this Christmas.

The high street retailer’s Man on the Moon Christmas advertising campaign, which launched on television on 6 November, was aimed at raising awareness of the issue of loneliness amongst older people and today marks the start of its public appeal for donations.

Unseen footage from the set of John Lewis’s Man on The Moon advert was released on social networks today and calls on viewers to make a difference to older people’s lives by donating to Age UK.

In the filmed appeal, the Man on the Moon is shown playing Solitaire and looking up at the earth.

Narrator Dame Helen Mirren tells viewers: “It’s hard to believe that a million older people can go a month without speaking to anybody.”

Viewers are told they can donate £5 and text ‘MOON’ to 701111. The money raised will be used by Age UK to offer companionship, advice and support to older people this Christmas. This includes the Charity’s national advice line, which is open 365 days of the year including Christmas Day.

John Lewis shops across the country will be fundraising and pairing up with a local Age UK to support a Christmas lunch or social event for the lonely.

Some 25 per cent of the sale of every Man on the Moon mug and christmas card will be donated to the charity.

Craig Inglis, customer director at John Lewis said: “We have been overwhelmed by the response to the Man on the Moon and are delighted that it has helped to raise awareness of the issue of loneliness amongst older people.

“We are proud to continue our commitment to Age UK and this important cause by supporting their fundraising appeal and through the involvement of the Partners (staff) in our shops.”

Age UK has also created tips for those wanting to run their own fundraising events, these can be found here: http://www.ageuk.org.uk/no-one/winter-fundraising-ideas.

Esther Jackson, marketing and fundraising director at Age UK said: “The Man on the Moon advert has really struck a chord with people, helping to raise awareness of loneliness amongst older people. “Loneliness can be devastating and we hope this appeal will both cement this huge issue even further into public consciousness and drive vital donations to help us provide companionship, advice and support through a range of services.

“We also hope it will continue to get people talking about this important issue and inspire action.

"We all have a role to play as individuals, families and communities in helping ensure older people feel valued and included so that no one feels lonely at Christmas time, or any other time of the year.”