Pork pies and park picnics to raise pandemic cash for Sheffield older persons cause 

A Sheffield older persons’ charity struck by the cancellation of mass fundraising events has come up with a novel way of raising money during the pandemic– park picnics. 

Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care (SCCCC) wants people to bring out the blankets and unpack the pork pies in a bid to support its vital work helping isolated, older people in the city. 

It’s hoped the socially distanced outdoor gatherings between families and close friends will double up as fundraisers for the charity, with attendees making a contribution to the charity in the same way they used to donate to pre-pandemic office bake offs. 

Ericka Hill, fundraiser at SCCCC, said: “As a small charity, Covid-19 has had a huge impact on our funding.  Many supporters have been unable to fundraise due to cancellation of mass participation sports like the Sheffield half marathon and our planned skydive.  

“Our fundraising evenings have also been cancelled which all bring in vital funds to continue our work. It costs the charity around £900 a day to function, so more than ever we need people to rally round and dig deep.”  

To host an SCCCC picnic, pick a date for a family and friends charity get together in a local park or large outdoor space. Invite them to bring along food, a blanket and chairs and an obligatory bottle of plonk, and make it fun with a quiz or charades with prizes.   

To avoid cash changing hands, guests attending the picnics can donate to SCCCC via www.scccc.co.uk or through Facebook @Sheffield4C.  

Social distancing at all times should be maintained with people who are not in a household or support bubble. Please refer to the latest Government guidelines for advice.