Former Plympton Stannator Andrew Hill has presented a cheque for £1,855 to the Elder Tree, his chosen charity for his period in office last year.
The money was raised by a combination of activities, including two stints running the Harewood House Coffee Bar and a quiz night at the Chaddie Social Club, as well as a draw at the Stannator’s investiture night in June 2017 and door takings at the Plympton Community Council’s Christmas and Spring Fairs.
The past Stannator presented the cheque at one of the charity’s weekly Active Steps exercise events at Harewood House on September 7.
As well as the £1,855 presented at this event, around a further £250 had previously been given over to the Elder Tree from the proceeds of talks and also their involvement with the Stannator in the Rotary Club of Plympton’s Christmas door-to-door collections.
120 volunteers, 70 of whom are involved in befriending people in their own homes for an hour a week
Mr Hill said he chose the Elder Tree in the hope that not only would some funds be gathered but also with the aim that being the Stannator’s charity for the year it might also help raise their profile and awareness of their activities in the community.
The Elder Tree specialises in reducing social isolation among the over 50’s by putting on a range of community activities as well as one-to-one befriending in people’s own homes for those who find it difficult to get out and about to meet people.
The Elder Tree is now in its 25th year. The charity has grown from humble beginnings as a small church group to now being a substantial organisation providing services to over 1,000 local people.
They have 120 volunteers, 70 of whom are involved in befriending people in their own homes for an hour a week.
The charity has now 72 regular activities which take place and another is soon to be added – a walking group, which will have walks of about a mile long at a sedate pace, possibly ended at a coffee shop.
The Elder Tree is a referred into service and this can include self-referrals and referrals from appropriate relatives.
They are also always on the lookout for volunteers, including those interested in being a befriender.
More details about the Elder Tree can be found at www.eldertreeplymouth.co.uk
