A CHARITY which helps isolated elderly people has increased its fundraising target after an “amazing” response so far.

The AVSED22 campaign, launched on July 1, aimed to reach £2222 by the end of August. Aireborough Voluntary Services to the Elderly asked people to fundraise on the theme of 22, reflecting the 22-mile boundary of its coverage.

Last week volunteer engagement officer Michelle Phillips said: “So far, we have raised an amazing £2105 and this has been raised by so many different people in our community so we want to push this to £3000.

“The children at Pebbles Day Nursery have been doing star jumps every day and have so far been sponsored for £216. Some of our older members have been doing laps of their garden, exercising or clapping every day to help raise funds, and others have donated money in return for handmade face masks, or items for us to sell or raffle.

“Coming up we have a few events that have been coordinated by others in our community to help raise funds for AVSED and we hope that everyone can get involved:

Neals Yard Remedies consultant Alice Albentosa is hosting an online facial party, with commission going to AVSED. The event will take place on Friday, August 14 at 7.30pm and the link is https://www.facebook.com/events/625803085005021/

Full Circle Funerals in Guiseley will host an online quiz on its Facebook page on Wednesday, August 19 at 12pm. Anyone can take part and make donations. Avsed also has a raffle for a hamper on its Facebook page and is hoping to raffle watercolour paintings later this month.

Michelle said:”We are in the last three weeks of the challenge and we would love as many people to get involved in anyway they can to help us not only reach but smash our fundraising goal. These funds will help AVSED adapt to the challenges COVID-19 has thrown at us, and help us come up with new and innovative ways of reaching out to our members and other older isolated people in the Aireborough community during this uncertain time.”