Feature
Make someone’s
Christmas
Mash Media is calling on professionals
from across the event industry to help
tackle loneliness this Christmas
O
ne Day at Christmas
(ODAC), now in its fourth
year, is an extravagant,
fun-packed event, giving
much-needed festive cheer to
over 450 people from across
Birmingham.
ODAC is not for-profit and
relies entirely on goodwill
and donations from those in
the events industry. All kinds
of donations are accepted,
whether it be someone’s
time, prizes, wine, or funds
to help with running costs.
No matter how small the
donation, it is greatly
appreciated.
We promise to say a huge
thank you to those that
contribute.
With more than 2m
people in England over the
age of 75 living alone, and
more than a million older
people going over a month
without speaking to a friend,
neighbour or family member,
Christmas can be a harsh
reminder of just how isolated
they are.
Taking place at the NEC in
Birmingham, ODAC invites
elderly people who would
otherwise be alone at care
homes to come along and
enjoy a fun-filled day of food,
drink, entertainment and
activities.
Julian Agostini, managing
director at Mash Media and
creator of the event, said:
“What does Christmas
mean to you? It is, without
doubt, my favourite time of
year. Everyone is a little bit
cheerier, a touch more laid
back and there is goodwill
to all men…in theory. Whilst
this is true to a degree, it’s
also a time when the old and
lonely feel at their lowest.
“We are all aware of this
latent sadness around us
but what do you we about
it? ODAC gives us all the
opportunity to truly embody
the Christmas spirit and
really make a difference to
lonely people. All they want
for Christmas is a friendly
face and a chat…it’ll be the
best present you give to
anyone. Please join us for an
incredible day that reminds
us what Christmas is really
all about.”
Last year people from care
homes across the Midlands,
were able to enjoy music,
dancing and bingo.
Marketing director of
conventions and exhibitions
for the NEC Group, Kelly
Haslehurst added: “One Day
at Christmas is a wonderful
experience for our local,
elderly residents – a real
festive treat. We thoroughly
enjoy hosting the event at
the NEC; it is a way for us
to say thank you to previous
employees and provides
an opportunity for us to
give something back to
the community. We look
forward to working with EN
on making the 2019 event the
best one yet.”
One Day At Christmas will
take place on 13 December
2019. Email odac@
mashmedia.net to get involved,
or donate to One Day At
Christmas’ GoFundMe at
www.gofundme.com/one-day-
at-christmas.
“ODAC gives us all the opportunity to truly
embody the Christmas spirit and really
make a difference to lonely people.”
November — 53