MHA Live at Home, based in Havant would, at this time of year, be nearly half way through the outings programme, be in full swing with their social activity groups and be looking forward to the summer holiday planned for July. This, together with the plethora of fundraising events scheduled, makes for a busy year for the volunteers and older people who make up their members.
Now, they are no less busy organising shopping, prescription collection, welfare and befriending telephone calls, producing and delivering newsletters, Jigsaw/DVD/Audio book lending library, Pen Pal scheme and a weekly programme of Telephone and online activities. However, the cancellation of fundraising activities due to the coronavirus, has meant that they, their volunteers and supporters have come up with novel ways to raise funds.
Staff and volunteers have set up Birthday Fundraising Challenges on FB, asking for donations instead of presents, raising an average of £230 per person.
Two young practicing creatives Haydn and Yoli and supporters of MHA, are taking part in the nationwide 2.6 Challenge, which was set up to support charities across the UK that would have received funds raised at the London marathon this year (hence 2.6/26, as the marathon is 26 miles!) but have sadly lost these donations due to Covid-19.
They have set themselves the challenge of doing 26 artworks over 26 days, each piece, size 13cm square, taking 26mins (often much longer!) to create on quality cartridge paper.
The aim was to enable people to help them raise funds in two ways. They could sponsor their project by making a donation on their Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/haydns-26-artworks-in-26-days-26… or / and they will have the opportunity to buy the artworks by placing bids on them on the 26 Artworks Facebook page.
At the end of 26 days, people who bid the highest amount for each artwork won the chance to buy the artwork for the bid amount. The artworks were then sent by post to the winners.
“Older people are now more than ever likely to suffer the debilitating effects of isolation, which is why it is vital that we support charities such as this so that they are able to reach out and continue providing much needed support.” said Haydn and Yoli.
MHA continue to take referrals of older people need. Please contact them if you know of someone who needs help or you wish to make a donation or fundraise for their organisation.
Contact by tel: 023 9247 1313 or by email: portsmouthandhavant.liveathome@mha.org.uk