M6toll spreads Christmas cheer to older people in local community
Midland Expressway Ltd (operators of the M6toll) are proud to announce their support of a charity aimed at reducing loneliness and isolation amongst older people with a donation of £1,500 to fund local community Christmas activities across the Midlands.
Re-engage offers support to older people in Sutton Coldfield and is committed to fighting loneliness so that people have social lives and friendship groups however old they are. They inspire and enable meaningful connections and shared experiences within communities across the UK for people over 75 facing loneliness and social isolation.
As Christmas can be one of the loneliest and most difficult times of the year and even more so this year due to the cost-of-living crisis, Midland Expressway Ltd will be supporting Re-engage’s community Christmas activities in the Midlands. Community Christmas provides a free online directory of local festive events and activities taking place across the UK, which are open to local older people who would otherwise be spending Christmas Day alone. Any older person taking part in community Christmas will also be offered year-round companionship through Re-engage’s other free services which include telephone befriending and regular social groups.
Midland Expressway Ltd made their donation of £1,500 during the ‘Big Give’ the UK’s biggest match funding campaign – the Christmas Challenge meaning the donation doubled to £3,000. Founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Alec Reed CBE, the Christmas challenge has raised millions of pounds for thousands of charity projects since it first launched the Big Give in 2008, offering supporters of participating charities the opportunity to have their donation doubled.
Meryl Davies, CEO of Re-engage said; “For most of us Christmas is a time of celebration with family and friends. But thousands of older people will be dreading this period because they feel lonely and isolated. Community Christmas gives every older person the opportunity to look for a place to celebrate the festive season. So, many, many thanks to Midland Expressway for a donation that will ensure support and inspire communities to come together and bring some happiness to older people who yearn for company at this time of year.”
Sarah Loizou, HR & Business Services Director added: “Christmas can be a very difficult time of the year for many which is why we were keen to support the older people in our community through this initiative, ensuring they feel connected, valued and heard this Christmas.”
If you are an organisation, group, or individual who is hosting an event or activity, that is welcoming to older people, on Christmas Day or over the festive period for people who will be by themselves, please add it to Re-engage’s free online directory here: Community Christmas: events and activities for older people (reengage.org.uk) or call 0800 716543.
Midland Expressway Ltd’s (MEL) donation forms part of a wider initiative to support local schools and community projects. To register your charity or community project with MEL for consideration to receive fundraising or practical (volunteering) support now or in the future visit www.m6toll.co.uk for further information or email d4c@m6toll.co.uk
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