Adopt A Grandparent Raises £15,000 at Colliers-Sponsored Autumn Drinks, and Sets Sights on £100,000 Target by March 2025
On 2nd October, Colliers, a valued sponsor of Adopt A Grandparent, hosted a memorable Autumn Drinks event in support of our mission to combat loneliness among older adults. The evening brought together almost 100 sector advisors, care home operators, and friends of Adopt A Grandparent, raising an incredible £15,000 that will go directly towards creating meaningful connections between older adults (Grandparents) and volunteers (Grandchildren). The event was a true celebration of kindness and belief in the power of human connection.
Shaleeza Hasham, Founder and CEO of Adopt A Grandparent, said:
"We are overwhelmed by the support and generosity shown at this event. Colliers has been an exceptional partner, and we are deeply thankful for their continued commitment. To everyone who donated, to all our incredible partners, ambassadors, care homes, residents, and volunteers – thank you for making what we do possible.
"We’d also like to express our gratitude to our latest partner, Sky, who are working tirelessly to tackle loneliness through their national campaign. Their commitment aligns perfectly with our mission, and we’re excited to collaborate with them.
"All the funds raised will make a tangible difference, helping us continue to create life-changing relationships."
While the event was a huge success, our journey is far from over. We are now aiming to raise £100,000 by March 2025 to expand our reach to 100 additional care homes, supporting over 1,000 new residents and delivering 640,000 minutes of meaningful companionship each year. These crucial funds will allow us to grow our impact and touch even more lives.
A highlight of the evening was the heartwarming story of Ann Lucas, an 83-year-old resident at Acorn Lodge Care Home in Nuneaton, part of Avery Healthcare, and Angela Martin, a 47-year-old volunteer from Ontario, Canada. Despite living 3,500 miles apart, Ann and Angela have formed a close, meaningful bond through our Adopt A Grandparent programme. Since July 2024, their weekly video calls have brought joy and companionship to both, showing that distance is no obstacle when it comes to true connection.
Ann, who moved to Acorn Lodge in 2023, shared:
"Talking with Angela has been a wonderful experience. We connected instantly, and it feels like I’ve known her for years. Her support and friendship have brought so much light into my life, and I’m grateful every day to Adopt A Grandparent for making this possible."
Angela, equally touched by the relationship, said:
"Meeting Ann has been a gift. Our conversations have enriched my life in ways I didn’t expect, and my family looks forward to our chats just as much as I do. This programme has been life-changing for both of us, and I’m so thankful to be a part of it."
Pictured: Ann Lucas 83 and Angela & Caitlin Martin
As the event took place just days before World Grandparents Day on 6th October, it was a timely reminder of the incredible wisdom, love, and joy that grandparents bring into our lives. The evening celebrated the unique bond between generations and highlighted the importance of fostering those relationships – especially in times of loneliness.
Shaleeza Hasham reflected:
"Ann and Angela’s story is a perfect example of why Adopt A Grandparent was founded in the first place. It’s about more than just combating loneliness – it’s about creating deep, lasting ties that transform lives. The support we’ve received to date gives us the strength to continue building these bridges between generations."