As lower winter temperatures begin to kick in this month, for many, the impact of the worst cost of living crisis in forty years is already resulting in hard choices for vulnerable groups and older people in particular. Many older people, particularly those living alone, are also impacted by loneliness, meaning that keeping warm at this time of year often goes beyond just comfort, in many cases becoming a critical health issue.
In an effort to help address this, food entrepreneurs Cully & Sully have teamed up with older persons charity ALONE for a new partnership focused on sharing the warmth with older people this winter. Sean Moynihan, CEO of the charity tells us that so far this year the charity has delivered over 29,000 individual supports ranging from help with loneliness and isolation to support with grant applications to older people, a figure that the organisation expects to see reach 40,000 by the end of this season.
Speaking about the ‘Share Your Warmth’ campaign, Cully Allen of Cully & Sully said that as they celebrate turning 20 years old this year, they wanted to give back and ‘share the warmth’ with the charity ALONE.
In addition to donating €20,000 to the cause, they are also hoping to raise awareness around the issue through special promotional packs of Cully & Sully soup designed to encourage their customers to contribute also.
“We’re going to match additional donations up to €20,000 and we hope our limited edition soup lids encourage people to donate and spend lunchtime with an older person in their life,” he said.
ALONE is urging anyone who needs support this Winter, or who knows somebody who needs help to call the National Support and Referral Line on 0818 222 024. The line is open from 8am – 8pm, seven days a week.
Please support if you can.
Words: Martina Murray
