Member Article

Christmas Campaign To Benefit Stockton’s Elderly

The ’Cup of Festive Kindness’ campaign is one of the largest collaborations of service providers to join together in Stockton, promoting one mutual aim of social inclusion for the elderly at Christmas.

Castlegate Shopping Centre launched the campaign in October as part of its recognised community commitment and asked members of the public, businesses and organisations to get involved with food donations for food banks and to support a tea party for the elderly.

“We have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity to date both from partners who are supporting the tea party and members of the public who have donated food and toiletries for Billingham/Stockton Food Bank” comments Castlegate’s Acting Manager Tracey Surtees.

“A vintage style tea party, with live entertainment from yester-year and party food, will take place at Preston Park on the 13th December for the area’s elderly.

“We would like to invite carers to sign up to the event and welcome residential care providers in the community who are looking to involve their residents in a fun activity at Christmas” adds Tracey Surtees.

Travel and coach company Compass Royston are supporting the campaign by providing free transport to and from the event for the many groups who have already signed up. Transport Manager for the company Martin Bainbridge said: “We are really pleased to be involved and help local pensioners get together to enjoy a party, especially at this time of year.”

The Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Councillor Ken Dixon, said: “We are lucky to have such a strong community spirit across Stockton Borough and I call on people to get behind this campaign and show the spirit of giving and care at this special time of year.”

To be approved Eloise Fisher, Events Co-ordinator from Preston Park commented: “We are very happy to be involved in this campaign and look forward to people coming along for food, live entertainment and to enjoy themselves.”

Lorraine Haxwell from Wellburn House, pictured with resident Dorean Groom said: “It is brilliant that everyone is coming together to put on a special event for the elderly in Stockton.”

Tracey Surtees adds: “Without the support of the many businesses and organisations we would not be able to deliver such a large scale event. The Cup of Festive Kindness Tea Party is a great opportunity to make new connections and friendships and make Christmas feel that bit less lonely for many.”

Service providers who support elderly in the area including; The Royal British Legion, Age UK, North Star Housing Group, LiveWell Dementia Hub, Thirteen Group, Stockton Borough Council Social Services, Hand in Care Support, Hardwick in Partnership and Wellburn House will come together with residents at the December Festive Cup of Kindness Tea Party.

Campaign organisers Castlegate Shopping Centre has also received numerous enquiries from members of the community who are caring for elderly family members and have sign-posted them to the Council’s Social Services team for further information and advice on what support is available for carers in the Borough.

Event supporters also include; Greggs, Endeavour Partnership, Compass Royston, Marks & Spencer’s, North Star Housing Group, Yorkshire Bank.

The event is free to attend and booking a place in advance is crucial. Care Homes and Activity Co-ordinators for the elderly are asked to contact Max Freer on 01642 723787 for further information.

Tea Party – to Donate Goods

Items wanted for the tea party on 13th December include prizes for the raffle and Christmas bingo. Castlegate Shopping Centre is also is appealing for entertainers i.e. talented local singers and musicians who can help get the party in full swing, with songs and music from yesteryear.

Food Donations and Goods Required

Tea, coffee, sugar, biscuits, milk (UHT or powdered only), chocolate, fruit juice, crisps, shampoo and conditioner, shower gel and toilet rolls. For ease of participation all goods can be purchased at the centre and donations will go to support Billingham/Stockton Food Bank, for distribution out to those in need within the local community this Christmas. The last collection will be 5pm Saturday 17th December.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Chantal Taylor .