Bibby Financial Services’ Mike Day and Age UK Leeds unite to spread festive cheer

This December, the annual charity event “Ron’s Christmas Lunch” returns to Leeds, bringing festive celebrations and community to over 130 elderly Yorkshire locals.

Since its inception in 2018, Ron’s Christmas Lunch has provided a much-needed opportunity for connection and celebration, offering free Christmas lunches, entertainment, and companionship to some of Yorkshire’s most isolated residents. This year’s event is taking place on the 3^rd December at the Marriott Hotel in Leeds.

The event, organised in partnership with Age UK Leeds, was founded by Mike Day, whose father, Ron, was deeply involved in community support through charitable work and organising trips for the region’s elderly. Mike Day, Head of Sales at Bibby Financial Services (BFS), sees the lunch not only as a way to honour his father’s legacy, but to also support vulnerable locals who are facing increased pressures this year, especially with recent changes such as the removal of the winter fuel allowance. 

“For many of our guests, this may be the only Christmas celebration that they will have, and it means the world to them to have a place to come together and share in festive joy together. This gathering doesn’t just offer a festive meal—it brings companionship and the joy of meeting new friends during what can be one of the loneliest times of the year.”

The event held in 2023 raise a total of £7,360 through sponsorship and donations from individuals and businesses in Yorkshire, as well as matched funding from Bibby Financial Services as part of its’ Project Compass initiative. This December, Mike has his sights set on an even higher amount in order to not only host this years event, but to also raise funds for Age UK Leeds, who have seen a substantial rise in calls following the reduction of the winter fuel allowance.

Mike added: ““We are continuously moved by the support from our local community in Yorkshire, and we’re immensely grateful for each and every donation received. In light of the recent budget changes which will impact so many, we hope to make this year’s event as special as ever and raise £10,000 to host the event and be able to donate money back to Age UK Leeds to help to alleviate some of these pressures. As always we are truly thankful for any contributions that will help make Ron’s Christmas Lunch a success and would be delighted to hear from anyone else that may like to contribute towards this year’s event.”

For more information or to donate to Ron’s Christmas Lunch, please contact Mike Day: Michael.Day@bibbyfinancialservices.com

Lisa Burnett, Income Generation Director at Age UK Leeds said: “There are more than 30,000 older people classified as lonely and isolated in Leeds and Christmas is often the most difficult time of year for this group. Ron’s Christmas Lunch is a fantastic event that brings together the local community to provide not only festive joy, but also a friendly network for Yorkshire’s lonely and vulnerable. With the pressure people are under due to rising costs and the cancellation of the Winter Fuel Payment, this event is more important than ever in supporting those in need.”

Businesses and individuals wishing to pledge their support for Ron’s Christmas lunch can do so here.