An award-winning local businessman has delivered Christmas gifts to 80 older people.
Gary Derbyshire, regional partner at home care provider Promedica24, personally handed out 15 of the gifts in Harrogate as part of the initiative by local charity Supporting Older People.
The initiative, sponsored by Promedica24, was aimed at bringing festive cheer to those often experiencing loneliness and isolation.
Mr Derbyshire also attended the charity’s annual Christmas party, accompanying three older people to the event at Oakdale Golf Club.
The party was attended by 80 people, who enjoyed a drinks reception and a roast turkey meal, followed by live music from ukulele group Harrogate Spa Town Ukes.
Mr Derbyshire said, “Everyone knows that Christmas is a wonderful time of year, with families and friends reuniting to celebrate together.
“However, for many people, especially the elderly, it can sometimes also be a lonely time.”
He highlighted the importance of companionship support in their services, given the number of older people affected by loneliness.
Promedica24, which provides flexible home care services, regularly backs local charities in the areas it operates.
Apart from supporting this Christmas initiative, the company has previously helped raise over £4,000 at a charity golf day for Dementia Forward, and sponsored Supporting Older People’s Summer Ball, which raised over £14,000.
Kate Rogata, director of Supporting Older People, expressed her gratitude for Promedica24’s support.
She said, “The support from Promedica24 throughout the year has been invaluable, and it’s thanks to partnerships like this that we can continue to alleviate loneliness in Harrogate.”
She added, “The initiative was all about bringing smiles to lots of faces, and it was great to see everyone’s joy when receiving their Christmas gifts.
“We were delighted that the Promedica24 team not only sponsored our Christmas initiatives but also attended our Christmas party and enjoyed the celebrations.”
Looking forward to future collaborations, she said, “It was a fantastic evening, and everyone had a great time dining and dancing – I am looking forward to next year already.”
