People’s Postcode Lottery (PPL) turned their fabulous HQ on Charlotte Square into a huge tea party for the elderly recently. Grant-giving trusts supported by players have added £5 million to an existing fund of £20m which will be used to alleviate loneliness.
The lottery team got in touch with Contact the Elderly to invite them along for tea last Friday. More than 20 guests attended along with 10 volunteers.
The charity Contact the Elderly has received over half a million pounds from PPL through their Postcode Support Trust which they use to hold free Sunday afternoon tea parties for those aged 75 and over who live alone.
Morna O’May, the charity’s Head of Service in Scotland, said: “We are delighted to share tea, cake and conversation with the team at People’s Postcode Lottery. Support we have received from players has really helped us to reach out to more elderly people as demand for our services grow.”
90-year-old Bridie from Edinburgh had a lovely time. She said: “I’ve been going to Contact the Elderly’s tea parties for seven years and it’s the best thing that has ever happened to me. There are some people my age who never get out, but I’m never in. I really enjoy the company and I always look forward to the food.”
This particular tea party at People’s Postcode Lottery’s HQ in Edinburgh also marked an amazing milestone for the lottery, which celebrated the fact that players have raised more than £310 million to date for good causes across Great Britain and internationally since 2005, and employing over 300 people.
Clara Govier, People’s Postcode Lottery Managing Director, said: “Loneliness has far-reaching consequences for people’s health and mental wellbeing and we are pleased that support from players has allowed us to be part of the drive to tackle this epidemic. It’s a real pleasure to welcome Contact the Elderly to our offices to share a lovely experience with the team and to help us mark a special occasion for People’s Postcode Lottery.”
For more information on People’s Postcode Lottery, please visit www.postcodelottery.co.uk or check out Facebook and Twitter.
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