2 weeks Ago
Asda Stanley organised the event for an over-60s group at St Stephen's Community Centre in Stanley which was decorated in festive style, with ballroom dancers, a band, and a special appearance from Father Christmas. The event was organised by Asda's Marsha Spence, with help from the Asda Foundation and staff from the Blyth, Peterlee, and South Shields stores. Marsha said: "It was a beautiful day and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.
"We got there early and we never stopped. We kept going round serving drinks and food and chatting to everyone – we even got up for a dance too." She added that one lady from the care home next door, who had recently had a stroke, was keen to join in the fun.
Carol Roberts, manager of the community centre and South Stanley Partnership, said: "We've had lots of great feedback from people who attended who all thought it was brilliant – a day to remember. (Image: JOHN CLIFTON) Most read Get the most out of your local news with The Northern Echo Subscribe now and enjoy access for the whole of 2025 for only £25 or enjoy your first six months for £6. Don’t miss out on our biggest sale of the year.
"We would like to thank everyone who came to our festive afternoon tea dance. "Words cannot express how grateful we are to Marsha and the Asda Foundation for making this possible." The centre also received a surprise hamper of kitchen equipment including teapots, crockery, and cutlery to help with their future events.
This event is part of Asda's initiative to combat loneliness and isolation in the older generation this Christmas. Throughout December, Asda's community champions are organising a series of events to bring people together. They are supporting the Chatty Cafes and winter warmers initiatives in 205 Asda Cafes, wearing Happy to Chat badges to let people who might otherwise be alone know that they're available to talk to them while they're shopping in our stores, and delivering £600,000 worth of grants from the Asda Foundation.
They are also wearing 'Happy to Chat' badges to let people know they're available for a chat while shopping in Asda stores..
