CURVE LAUNCHES CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

Leicester’s Curve theatre has today launched its annual Christmas fundraising campaign, Curve Cares, in partnership with Age UK Leicester Shire and Rutland and Rutland Community Spirit.

In Leicestershire over 30% of people aged 65 or over live alone, 13,000 of whom are in Leicester. This year, Curve is hoping to raise enough funding to host over 300 isolated elderly members of the local community and their carers who might otherwise be on their own or unable to organise a theatre visit, for a memorable experience at Curve this winter.

Every donation to the Christmas Curve Cares appeal counts and for just £30 Curve can provide one older person with an opportunity to enjoy a pre-show meal, watch a performance at Curve and meet members of the cast afterwards.

This is the third year of Curve’s Christmas appeal, which last year arranged visits for over 200 isolated elderly members of the community to see Hairspray and meet the cast including Rebecca Craven who played Tracy Turnblad, and Eastenders star David Witts, who played Link Larkin.

Hannah Hallam, Head of Business Development at Curve commented:

“We see many families and groups of friends enjoying a night out at the theatre, particularly over the Christmas season and want to be able to offer this same experience to those who are on their own or are unable to get out without assistance. We are proud to be working with Age UK Leicester Shire and Rutland and Rutland Community Spirit who both do such great work across the region and share in our beliefs of promoting well-being and helping life to be fulfilling and enjoyable for all. Please support this campaign and help make someone’s Christmas!”

Tessa Trace, Head of Marketing & Income Generation at Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland:

“Curve Cares makes a real difference to the lives of older people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to enjoy a day out at the theatre. We have seen the visits raise the spirits of our clients and give them a day to remember. We’re so pleased that Curve is continuing the campaign and has asked us to be a part of it again this Christmas. We are thrilled that the generosity of Curve and its customers will allow us to make the festive season very special for so many of our older residents.”

Sue Renton, Project Manager – Rutland Community Spirit & First Contact Rutland:

“I am delighted that Rutland Community Spirit is once again being invited to be part of this year’s Curve Cares campaign.  Last year 30 older people from Rutland were invited to see Hairspray and meet the cast after eating a lovely lunch.  Even now, the guests are still talking about the whole experience and how magical the day was.  I urge as many people as possible to get behind this year’s campaign to bring some sparkle in to older people’s lives over the festive period.”

To find out more or donate online visit www.curveonline.co.uk/curvecares.