Over 70 years ago, Major Allnatt, a successful businessman and philanthropist who worked closely with and supported our founding General Secretary, Leonard Hackett, left a Christmas legacy to the Association.
Residents at Saffron Walden almshouses receive their Christmas vouchers – 2020The Almshouse Association invested the money to support his wish that every Christmas, gifts were given to almshouse residents over 90 years old.
He wished his name to remain a secret until his death, many years ago now, but his legacy has lived on and it gives the Association great pleasure to continue to honour his wishes every Christmas.
It is fair to say that when The Almshouse Association Christmas Fund* began over 70 years ago there were a lot less 90 year olds in almshouses; this year we have a wonderful, record number of almshouse residents over 90 who will shortly be receiving their Christmas gift.
Member Support Officers (and part-time Christmas elves), Susan and Danielle (pictured above) have been busy collecting all the names and posting out 688 Christmas gifts to the delivery elves at 135 almshouse charities!
Residents at Philipot’s almshouses receive their Christmas vouchers – 2020
*We hope to be able to continue this tradition for many years to come, however this year for the first time, the Association has needed to top up the fund to ensure that as many 90+ year old residents as possible receive a Christmas gift. If you would like to support the Christmas Fund or you are thinking about leaving a legacy in your will, please do get in touch.
Posted 7 December 21