A KIND-hearted fundraising group has launched a drive to help a day centre for elderly residents tackle loneliness over Christmas.

Halstead Rotary Club is campaigning to raise funds for Halstead Day Centre, in Bridge Street, in the run up to Christmas.

The centre provides support for those over the age of 60 living in the town who may be feeling isolated.

It is a registered charity and covers Halstead as well as the surrounding villages and provides a safe space for elderly residents to get meet.

Due to coronavirus the centre has been forced to restrict the number of people who can attended at the same time, but has still faced the same bills to pay as before the crisis, leaving huge strain on its finances.

The Rotary Club said visits to the centre are the only opportunity some residents get to see and engage with other people.

Ken, who has been visiting the centre for more than a decade, said: “It’s all the company I get, I don’t see anyone at home.”

Through fundraising throughout December, Halstead Rotary Club is hoping to raise £4,000 to support the day centre’s work in the community.

Due to restrictions around Covid and social distancing, fundraising efforts will be primarily be centred around social media, telephone and email campaigns.

Organisers are also hoping to bag a share of a $20,000 funding pot in order to further boost the campaign.

Global Giving is launching the fund, which will be shared amongst a host of good causes, on Wednesday.

The more money which is donated to the Rotary’s appeal on Wednesday the better, as this will help determined the share of the fund the campaign receives.

As a result, although residents can donate on any day of December, they are encouraged to donate on Wednesday.