27th Aug 2008 - 00:00
Abstract
Age Concern is launching a major new fundraising campaign with celebrity backing on Sunday 19th October. The Great Sunday Lunch is being run in partnership with Aunt Bessie's, the frozen food company, and will raise money for thousands of older people.
Age Concern is keen to celebrate the gastronomic meal of the week and the social bonding it encourages. Enthusiasm for the event has been widespread with celebrities from Tess Daly and Anthony Worrall Thompson to Bruce Forsyth encouraging everyone to cook up a feast. A five page recipe feature has been especially prepared for the campaign in women's glossy Good Housekeeping. Age Concern's Corporate Director, Iain Cassidy explained more: "People love a proper Sunday lunch but many of us feel we don't do it often enough. Age Concern's Great Sunday Lunch provide the perfect reason to get together with close friends and family as well as a chance to help older people in need." Aunt Bessie's Marketing Director, Clare Field said: "For the one in four older people living alone in the UK, Sunday can be the most isolated day of the week. To encourage families to raise a fork and funds to help the charity continue to host its own Sunday Lunch clubs - which bring our older citizens together for food and time with friends." Campaign packs containing fun and practical entertaining tips have been produced, and a national PR, advertising and marketing campaign is underway. Once registered (www.ageconcern.org.uk) hosts will be equipped with donation forms – they can then ask their friends to donate an amount or request an amount for their lunch. The first ever Great Sunday Lunch will take place on Sunday 19th October 2008. To take part simply phone 0845 241 7299 or e-mail greatsundaylunch@ace.org.uk or visit www.ageconcern.org.uk/greatsundaylunch