A last-chance appeal has been issued by Millwall Supporters Club to make sure 80 local pensioners can enjoy a Christmas meal at the Den.
An Age UK event at the Lions’ ground aims to provide pensioners in the local area who might not otherwise get out of their home over Christmas with a day to remember on Thursday.
But after a sponsor pulled out of funding the event, the club has been left scrambling to meet the cost of the event and to make sure it goes ahead as planned.
A fundraising bid to cover the expected £2,000 cost has so far only raised around £250 – leaving a shortfall that needs to be filled this week.
“Elderly people can get forgotten about at Christmas, so that’s why it’s important for us as a club to do something for people,” said Danielle Lake, of the Millwall Supporters Club.
“It’s important for them to get that social aspect. They don’t often have a chance to get out, and dress up, and go somewhere a bit fancy.”
The event will be a three-course meal, with a DJ, with dancing afterwards. Around eighty pensioners with carers and Age UK staff are expected to attend.
Some of those will be from local care homes, said Ms Lake, while others might be Southwark pensioners who attend Age UK for social gatherings.
Other projects that the supporters club have helped include repairing of an emergency response vehicle that had been vandalised in Borough and relaying a garden for a young Lions fan to enjoy with her brother.
If you wish to donate to the cause, you can find all the details on: www.gofundme.com/f/age-uk-lewisham-and-southwark-christmas-party.
Any local businesses who wish to sponsor the event on Thursday can email info@millwallsupportersclub.co.uk.