Christmas Giving Begins in Yorkshire as Bank's Staff Gift to Reduce Loneliness

Over 120 elderly residents in Orchard Care Homes across the north of England, without family or friends this Christmas, will receive gifts thanks to the efforts of colleagues at first direct bank in Leeds. Orchard Care Homes, based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, has received donated gifts from first direct employees for the past three years, ensuring that those not receiving visitors on Christmas day will not feel lonely or forgotten.  By the end of Christmas 2016, over 300 residents across homes from South Yorkshire, across to Lancashire and up to Darlington in the north, will have received gifts through the partnership with the bank.  In place of a Secret Santa activity within head office, first direct employees draw a name from a list provided by Orchard Care Homes and wrap a present ready for that person. This year the list holds names of over 120 elderly residents from over twenty care homes.  Tracey Tomlinson, Director of Customer Experience, Orchard Care Homes, “We are so grateful for the continued support from the employees of first direct in Leeds. Their efforts and contribution provide a great deal of joy to some of our residents who might not receive visits from family or friends. “Whilst there is plenty of activity and festivity within the homes at this time of year, this partnership is without doubt a fantastic contribution that is having a positive impact on the happiness of many of our elderly residents.” Tracy Garrad, chief executive of first direct, said:  “One of the cornerstones of first direct is that we’ve always been about family – we really care about our people and our customers.  It’s great to see our people feel so passionately about this they want to take this into the community and make a real difference to those in need.”