Older veterans treated to Christmas lunch
Published on 27 December 2017 04:35 PM
Forces veterans have been treated to a slap up Christmas lunch thanks to generous Sheffield pub goers and the city’s leading older persons charity.
Regulars at The Museum pub in Orchard Square raised £250 to pay for two-course festive dinners for older veterans being supported by Age UK Sheffield’s independent living coordinators.
The armed forces heroes are all aged 65 or over and are being helped by the charity’s Aged Veterans Service, which works with veterans in their own homes to help them retain or regain their independence.
The pub cash came from a string of community events, including donation boxes, a weekly pub quiz and staff contributions, in a bid to spoil older people who might otherwise be spending Christmas alone.
Vicki Hunt, landlady at The Museum pub in Orchard Square, said: “I used to host an Age UK Christmas dinner when I worked at a company in London and I didn't want it to be something I forgot about after moving to Sheffield.
“We raised money for an Age UK Sheffield Christmas dinner from October with the aim to host a meal for people who might not have plans or company. We owe a big thank you to Age UK Sheffield for helping to contact our lovely guests – we will definitely be doing it again next year.”
Mark Egglestone, Independent Living Coordinator at Age UK Sheffield, said: “The lunch was a great success. The Museum provided all the food and drink, and there also a surprise visit from Santa! We all thoroughly enjoyed the food and everyone had a great festive time.”
Age UK Sheffield was last year awarded £90,000 over three years to provide dedicated support to older veterans in the city.
Through the Aged Veterans Fund - funded by the Chancellor using LIBOR funds - the charity’s scheme sees Age UK Sheffield provide a dedicated Independent Living Coordinator service to 300 veterans born before 1 January 1950. Independent Living Coordinators work with older people by building trust and challenging low aspirations, while facilitating access to the services and resources needed to live a more fulfilling life.