THE first proceeds of the Tonbridge Daily Calendar have been released to a local worthy cause. Suzannah Niklas, who writes the popular town blog, has personally chosen AgeUK’s Community Befriending Service to receive £2,000 in funding.
Money raised by the calendar is donated to the Tonbridge Lions Club Charity Fund to be distributed to local charities and causes.
“This was my personal choice of charity,” says Suzannah, whose www.tonbridgedaily.com site is in the running for the SO Lifestyle awards in the Best Blogger category on February 8. “I believe that no elderly person should be lonely.
“Through the loss of a spouse, disability or simply that friends have died or are no longer in a position to get out and about, some elderly people do not communicate with another person for days, and sometimes weeks on end.
“With the recent media focus on loneliness, and a Minister of Loneliness being appointed by the Government, this was a timely donation.”
Around 960 calendars have been sold in retail outlets across the town, which have raised £6,750.
This year’s print run has sold out, with copies being sent as far afield as Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai and the United States.
Suzannah added: “I’m thrilled at the success of the calendar and thank the Tonbridge community who worked as a team to help raise money for those locally in need. Tonbridge has a big heart.”
AgeUK’s Community Befriending Service is offered free of charge. For more information go to www.ageuk.org.uk/sevenoaksandtonbridge
