AGE Connects Cardiff and the Vale is, for the fourth year running, appealing to the public to support their involvement in the Big Give Christmas Challenge.

The Big Give Christmas Challenge 2020 runs from midday #GivingTuesday December, 1 until midday Tuesday, December 8, when donations of more than £1 to Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale made via the Big Give website www.thebiggive.org.uk will be automatically doubled.

Search for Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale on the Big Give website or visit www.ageconnectscardiff.org.uk

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By making a donation to Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale during the campaign everyone will be helping to support its Community Volunteer Support Programme.

This project aims to tackle social isolation and loneliness in old age, often caused by things that make life difficult, including low income, poor health, limited transport and difficulty in accessing services and support particularly during these challenging times.

Community Volunteer Support currently supports hundreds of older people and delivers volunteer led activities that provide practical and emotional support for older people living across Cardiff and the Vale.

Support for people like brothers Leonard and Ronald.

Chef Nikki started shopping and ‘looking out for’ Leonard and Ronald at the beginning of lockdown when she was furloughed.

Nikki said: "I am a chef and was furloughed by the company I work for at the beginning of lockdown so had extra time on my hands. I decided I needed to give something back and hopefully make a difference to somebody who wasn’t so fortunate. I particularly wanted to give something back to my local community, so I searched for local charities. This is when I stumbled across Age Connects.

"I knew that there were a lot of vulnerable older people needing help and support before the pandemic and that this need would no doubt be more so during these difficult times. Being fit and healthy, I was desperate to help, so I got in touch and have not looked back!

"I support Leonard and Ronald, two brothers aged 93 and 86 – and they are incredible! Very charming with a wonderful zest for life and a fabulous sense of humour! They are Cardiff born and bred and very proud of that.

"A charity like Age Connects is a vital, greatly needed resource within our community. Some people do not have the luxury of lots of family and friends around them. It has been a truly rewarding experience for me and through this experience I have found two new friends in Leonard and Ronald."

Leonard said: "Seeing Nikki is a real highlight of our week – we look forward to her visits so much. She is so bubbly and down to earth and takes a great interest in the stories we tell of our past. Nikki has been an incredible support and is now a friend. Thank you, Nikki."

Visit www.ageconnectscardiff.org.uk