A charity event providing free festive celebrations for Yorkshire’s lonely and vulnerable returned to Leeds this December amid the continued cost-of-living crisis.
First held in 2018, with a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Ron’s Christmas Lunch brought together more than 130 elderly members of the Yorkshire community to celebrate with a free Christmas lunch, disco and entertainment at the Marriot Hotel in Leeds.
In partnership with Age UK Leeds, the event was created by Mike Day whose late father, Ron, was active in supporting the region through fundraising and organising trips for elderly and lonely people in the community.
Mike, Head of Sales at Bibby Financial Services, said: “I’m really proud to continue my Dad’s legacy in this way. For many of those who attend, it’s the only festive celebration they will be invited to, so it makes a massive difference to their lives. Not only does the event provide an chance for them to celebrate Christmas, it also gives them an opportunity to meet new people and to bring them some joy during what can seem like the loneliest time of the year for many.”
Last year’s event raised a total of £7,300 through sponsorship and donations from individuals and businesses in Yorkshire, as well as match funding from BFS as part of its Compass initiative. This December, Mike has his sights set on an even higher amount to help with increased costs.
Mike added: “The support we receive from the community in Yorkshire and beyond is truly incredible, and enables us to provide everything from meals and drinks, to entertainment and transport. With the cost-of-living crisis and inflation remaining sky-high, the overheads of the event have inevitably increased so this year we’re targeting £10,000. We’re hugely thankful for any support individuals and businesses can offer, no matter how big or small.”
Lisa Burnett, Income Generation Director at Age UK Leeds said: “There are more than 30,000 people classified as lonely and vulnerable in Leeds and Christmas is often the most difficult time of year for this group. Ron’s Christmas Lunch is a fantastic event that brings together the local community to provide not only festive joy, but also a network for Yorkshire’s lonely and vulnerable. With the pressure people are under due to rising costs, this event is more important than ever in supporting those in need.”
