Age Concern is launching a "Christmas Cracker" campaign to combat loneliness among elderly people over the holidays. They are urging families to invite lonely pensioners over for Christmas meals to help the hundreds of seniors aged over 70 who otherwise spend the holidays alone. The charity aims to address what they see as an increased focus on materialism over the true meaning of Christmas - love and happiness. They are providing transportation assistance and encouraging people to offer a seat at their table to help an elderly person and potentially change their life.

1. Age Concern – North West<br />Press Release<br />January 22, 2007<br />Age concern cracks down on loneliness this Christmas!<br />Always spend Christmas surrounded by family and friends? It might interest you to know that each year, in the North West, hundreds of pensioners aged over 70 have to spend Christmas and New Year alone. To stop this Age Concern are launching their ‘Christmas Cracker’ campaign, where they are urging families to ‘adopt’ a granny or a grand-dad over the festive season. <br />Sue Robinson, director of fund raising for Age Concern, believes that “People are too focused on material things these days and forget the old and lonely”. Age Concern are asking for families, especially those who have lost grandparents, to simply invite an elderly person over for a Christmas lunch or dinner and leave them a small gift under the Christmas tree this year. The charity want to combat some of the materialistic values that people seem to hold over Christmas and replace it with the true meaning of Christmas – love and happiness.<br />Age Concern are doing all they can to help make their campaign a successful one. They are providing transport specially designed for the immobile or disabled elderly. Age Concern is going to such lengths as they know how scared and lonely the elderly can feel at Christmas time. Elderly people such as Hannah, 86, who has been a widow for ten years and has no family, faces Christmas alone in Preston. By offering a seat at your table this coming festive season Ben Bryce, North West Chairperson, believes “you could change an old person’s life”.<br />M/F<br />Page 2<br />Age concern cracks down on loneliness this Christmas!<br />Families wishing to take part in the Christmas Cracker Appeal should contact, Age Concern North West, 5 Winckley Square, Preston, PR1 SC. They can also call the Christmas Cracker Hotline 01772 894748. Or alternatively email: crackerappeal@ageconcern.com for information. A donation can also be given for those who may be unable to offer hospitality in the festive season. Those wishing to leave a donation should also contact the above telephone number. <br />ENDS<br />For more information please contact:<br />Laura Hicks<br />Junior Account Executive<br />Solutions PR<br />Preston<br />Lancashire<br />PR1 2HE<br />Tel: 01772 295895Fax: 01772 295856<br />E-mail: LHicks@solutionspr.co.uk<br />Targets:<br />North West Newspapers, the local Guardians etc – targeting the area in which the issue is based, will hopefully get people who live in the North West interested in the cause.<br />Time of Completion: 14:11<br />