By Emily Wallin.
Mash Media-led charity event One Day at Christmas has been postponed.
The charity lunch was due to be held at ExCeL London on 14 December. However, due to the current rise in Covid-19 cases, the decision has been taken to postpone the event until next year in the interests of safety.
With more than two million people in England over the age of 75 living alone, and more than a million older people saying they go for more than a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member, Christmas can often be an isolating holiday.
The event aims to make Christmas a joyful time for elderly and lonely people. This year’s event was expected to welcome 300 people guests and 50 volunteers from the Newham area.
Simon Mills, chief commercial officer, at ExCeL London, said: “We are obviously disappointed that we have had to postpone the One Day at Christmas lunch this year, however given the resurgence of Covid-19 cases, we support, what is, the most responsible course of action.
“This would have been a very special Christmas event for some of the most vulnerable members of our local community in Newham, so we are, alongside Mash Media, absolutely committed to welcoming them to a new event in 2022.”
Julian Agostini, managing director, Mash Media, added: “I’m deeply saddened that we have had to postpone One Day at Christmas.
“This was not an easy decision.
“We remain committed to running an event for this community in the New Year.”
Details of the rescheduled event will be announced in due course. Donations can still be made at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/odac-onedayatchristmas
