OLDER people supported by Aireborough Voluntary Services to the Elderly are among the first in the country to benefit from a new fundraising service being piloted in Yorkshire.

Money raised through a new website called givto.org has helped AVSED continue its vital work of one-to-one befriending, online group activities and a fish and chip delivery service.

Ahead of Christmas, AVSED was one of three local causes to feature on the website, which aims to help charities fundraise digitally and has been created by the charity Better Giving Partnership and their volunteer team of professionals.

Members of givto, which is supporting Yorkshire causes ahead of national roll-out, donated £250 to AVSED’s work to relieve and prevent the social isolation of older people.

Debbie Fawthrop, manager at AVSED said: “It was quick and easy for us to sign up to givto and we were delighted with how much was raised for AVSED. It will make a big difference to us as the last year has been such a tough one to fundraise in.”

Alex Ellis-White, CEO of Better Giving Partnership said he and his team are acutely aware how hard it can be for small charities to raise funds, even before the impact of coronavirus and the cancellation of many traditional events.

He said: “We are so pleased to be able to help local charities such as AVSED, which make such a huge difference in our communities. givto is a unique new way of finding out about great causes on your doorstep. It's quick and easy to use and members tell us they really enjoy finding out about different charities each month, and then deciding which to support.”

Visit: www.givto.org to donate or to nominate a charity to be included on the site.

The givto site currently supports charities across Yorkshire to fundraise digitally and attract new donors. People who sign up to the givto.org website are given a choice of three different charities to donate to each month.

AVSED aims to relieve and prevent the social isolation of older people by providing them with opportunities to socialise, exercise, learn new skills, and by acting as a signposting service towards any advice or support that they may require, to remain independent. They provide almost 200 opportunities per week for people to socialise and get out and about.