We reached our fundraising target! Here's how...

 

Our Preparing for Winter fundraising campaign

Earlier this year, we won the opportunity to promote and fundraise for our ‘Preparing for Winter’ project, through the AVIVA Community Fund. The Aviva Community Fund is committed to backing the clever ideas that move communities forward and we were delighted to take part.





We aimed to raise £2,500 to prepare and support those struggling with the rising cost of living crisis. 

It’s safe to say all of us are concerned about the cost of living crisis. But at the Link Visiting Scheme, we know that older people are particularly at risk this winter. Getting cold could lead to serious health issues and even death so we are taking the pressure of rising costs very seriously.

Older people often struggle to ask for help and this can be even more difficult if you are in the grips of loneliness. 

With funding, we want to ensure older people have:

  • A network of warm spaces to go to every day of the week

  • The transport to get there

  • Provisions to remain warm at home

  • The right information and advice to help with bills and extra costs

  • Friendships, activities and events to improve wellbeing and know they are not alone or forgotten

“Since my husband died just before the pandemic, I've felt so alone. I don't have any family nearby. I joined Link Visiting and now see my volunteer every week. We go to the garden centre and I've joined in with Monday pub lunches. Link Visiting has helped me enjoy my garden again. I know I've got someone to turn to. The four walls have disappeared” - Link Friend, Maureen


Our plans…

We want to:

  • Send monthly newsletters in the post to our 500 Link Friends with vital public health guidance and advice to stay warm

  • Proactively reach out to those with minimal or no family or friend support

  • Hold monthly events across the borough promoting local groups and organisations for older people to join in with

  • Promote our 'Friendship Table' network - Warm Banks working with cafes, centres and community groups where older people can go to keep warm

  • Work with our colleagues in the voluntary sector to ensure we have access to grants and funding pots to help individuals with costs

  • Provide provisions such as warm blankets, hot water bottles and extra clothing for those in need

The fundraiser touched the hearts of our supporters…

We were delighted when our target was met with hundreds of donation pledges. We had the opportunity to set a stretch target of £5,000, with the extra funding going to our Community Kitchen project. 

Our Community Kitchen Project currently runs once a month on a Sunday which is a particularly lonely day for many elderly people. It costs us around £500 to run each session, and the funding will help us to run additional Community Kitchens during the winter months, providing a warm space and a nourishing meal in a family atmosphere.  Find out more about the project >>

Take a look at the crowdfunder page below, and THANK YOU again to AVIVA and every individual who pledged to support our charity. We are beyond grateful.

 
The Link Visiting SchemeComment