York Cares hosts Shimmer and Shine Club party at De Gray Rooms

The Shimmer and Shine Club Party, held at the De Gray Rooms and attended by the Mayor of York and the Civic Party, attracted over 80 seniors and young people from across the city for an afternoon of fun and revelry. It was done.

Guests enjoyed music by the Belfry Choir and Nestlé's Joe Cheney, a barn dance led by Strictly Fan Dancing's Phil Quinn and festive crafts by Dandelion Arts. York University's campus kitchen provided a buffet for participants to enjoy.

The event aims to tackle loneliness and isolation in York, with a 2020 national survey revealing that 25.7% of York residents feel lonely at least sometimes. By fostering shared experiences and connections, Shimmer and Shine Club fostered a sense of belonging and community.

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Employee volunteers from Benenden Health, Nestle and Portakabin all gave their time, and food, drinks and sweet treats were provided by Aviva, Blakemore Foundation, Greggs, Millers Food Service, Tony's Chocoloney, Nestle and York University Campus Kitchen .

Georgia Gibbons, Interim Operations Manager at York Cares, said: “We are truly inspired by the generosity of our members and local businesses who have gone above and beyond to make a meaningful difference this Christmas.

“Our Shimmer and Shine Festival Social Club brought people together from across the city during this time of heightened loneliness and isolation. This fun celebration was made possible by the willingness of our employee volunteers and the food, drinks and treats we provide. This was made possible by the generosity of the companies that donated.

Jesse Hendry Gooding, social change manager at Belfry, said: “Belfry is delighted to once again be hosting York Cares’ annual Shimmer and Shine Party in our beautiful temporary venue at the De Gray Rooms in York.

“This festival was a great example of communities coming together to spread joy and combat social isolation during the Christmas season.”

The York Cares Christmas collection received 2,400 donations from local businesses and included gifts for children as well as food and hygiene products.

Companies donating gifts include Aviva, Benenden Health, City of York City Council, ETAS, Fera Science Ltd, Little Green Rascals Minster Yard, Nestle, Novotel Center York, Portakabin, The Insurance Emporium, University of York and York St John University. It will be.

The gifts were distributed to 13 local charities including IDAS, Door 84, Peaholm Centre, Refugee Action York and Spirit of Christmas.

Founded in 2005 and set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025, York Cares is an employee-volunteer charity that brings together businesses, employees and communities to make York a great place to live and work.

For more information about the work York Cares carries out, or to volunteer, please visit www.yorkcares.co.uk.