Abandoned by Chiswick, seniors rescued by Acton's open arms

Earlier this year the Chiswick Day Care Centre was shut down. Presumably they had their reasons, but the closure was a terrible blow to the area's elderly who often relied on the centre.

The situation was particularly upsetting for Pauline and Leanne Hart, who had been running a "Pensioners Alone at Christmas" party annually for 26 years at the centre. And it looked like there wouldn't be a 27th, until the people of Acton stepped in.

Graciously, East Acton's Goldsmith Arms pub has offered its function room for the event on Christmas Day, allowing pensioners to have some fun at what can be a very depressing time of year. A full Christmas dinner will be available, with all the trimmings. Of course, the entire event will be disabled-friendly.

There will be 60 guests, and 20 volunteers, of which 10 are still needed. If you fancy helping people in need on Christmas day, the charity still needs drivers for the day, and as always, financial donations. Both can be organised on Pensioners Alone At Christmas' website.

November 28, 2011