Volunteers, dignitaries and members of Leicester’s elderly community were invited to an afternoon tea party this afternoon, to celebrate 70 years of Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland.
The charity marked the anniversary with a special event today (April 7) at their Clarence House base, which sits in Humberstone Gate.
Over 100 guests were treated to tea coffee, cakes and a special ‘Alice in Wonderland’ theme. with many turning out in extravagant hats and rabbit ears to enhance the fun.
The charity has been supporting Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland’s elderly population for 70 years, providing a range of services to help people make the most of later life.
Peter Soulsby, Leicester’s City Mayor was among those in attendance.
“I’m here both as Mayor to say well done to the charity, but also as a son, as a thank you for all they did for my parents”, he told Pukaar News.
“Age UK have been making a major contribution to all aspects of the life of Leicester and this is an opportunity for us to celebrate what they’ve done, and particularly what they’ve done for the older members of the community, including many of my family”.
Since the charity began in 1952, it has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to help older people in the area.
It is hoped that £70,000 can be raised this year as a result of a major fundraising drive centred around the 70th year celebrations.
“This year is a pinnacle year for us to do some fundraising and raise vital funds to ensure that we’re here in another 70 years time”, said Katherine Kat Coggan, media co-ordinator for Age UK, Leicester Shire & Rutland.
“We’re hoping that other members of the public might also host their own tea parties and we can hit our target of raising £70,000 this year to really boost the support we can give people, particularly during these difficult times.
“We’re so excited to have this pinnacle year and to share it with the Queen!” she added.
A range of fundraising events all relating to the number 70 are taking place throughout the year, including a ’70 cycle challenge’.
To find out more, visit: http://www.ageukleics.org.uk/
