Want To Do Something Different This Christmas?

Help Pensioners Alone at Christmas celebrate their 25th anniversary

Twenty five years ago, when the first Pensioners Alone at Christmas Party was held, Pauline Hart did not dream that a party could give so much happiness to so many people.

Many senior citizens found themselves alone because their families had moved away. Christmas has always been a time when people enjoy getting together but
many were now alone.

Since 1984 a special Christmas Day party has been organised for elderly residents who would have otherwise spent the day alone.

"Each Christmas we meet many new volunteers and guests to enjoy the day with," Leanne Hart told ChiswickW4.com. "This year we are actively seeking new volunteers who want to do something different on Christmas Day."

Volunteers are asked to attend from 12.00pm until 5:30pm and jobs include assisting with food preparation, looking after the guests during the party,
serving tea, washing up etc.

"We would be delighted if volunteers could join us for all or part of the day.

"We also need to collect guests from their homes and return them at the end of the day, so we are looking for volunteer drivers with cars. If anyone is able to help and has their own transport, please contact us.

"We hire minibuses to enable us to collect people as many use wheelchairs and walking frames. We cook a wonderful traditional Christmas dinner for our guests and volunteers and give all guests presents to take home."

Pensioners Alone At Christmas (PAAC) is an independently-run registered charity, funded by donations from local businesses such as Singapore Airlines and Positive Thinking, and organised by volunteers. If you would like to help raise funds or make any donations, please contact them via telephone: 0208 994 3648 or email: PAAChiswick@aol.com.

"We plan to make our 25th Christmas Day Party special, and hope you can join us."

The party starts at 1.30pm and finishes at 4.30pm at Chiswick Day Care Centre, Bridge Street, Chiswick W4 5UF.

If you know of any Senior Citizens on their own this Christmas or you know of anyone who would like to help please contact Pauline Hart telephone: 0208 994 3648 email: PAAChiswick@aol.com.

November 26, 2009