As the apprehension around the COVID-19 virus spreads globally, luxury British perfumer Miller Harris are offering a helping hand in conjunction with leading charity for older people, Age UK. The brand will be donating their entire stock of 11,000 hand washes, hand lotion and hard soaps to those most vulnerable across the UK at this time.
In what is an unprecedented and difficult time for those aged over 70, particularly those who do not have loved ones able to visit them over the coming weeks and months, Miller Harris are distributing soaps and hand washes to Age UK centres across the country. Support workers will then deliver the package to those in need within their local areas.
There are 8.8 million over 70s in the UK, which equates to 15% of the population. According to Age UK, more than 2 million people in England over the age of 75 live alone, and more than a million older people say they go for over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family memberi. Miller Harris’ initiative acts as a token of goodwill that can help stave off the virus and adds a touch of luxury for those who benefit from Age UK’s services, including many who may be suffering from underlying health conditions and increased loneliness due to self-isolation.
Sarah Rotheram, CEO of Miller Harris, commented: “We are seeing huge acts of kindness amongst the gloom of the news, and it is these acts of kindness that bring us hope. As a brand, we feel compelled to help in any way we possibly can, and it would be a sin to see our stocks of soap sat in warehouses rather than reaching the most vulnerable in our society. The best advice is to wash your hands regularly, so we need to donate what we can and get soap to those in need. However, we do not have anywhere near enough soap to reach everyone and so it is important for other brands to step up and join us to donate generously. Alone we are small, together with other brands we can have a huge social impact.”
Laurie Boult, Fundraising Director from AGE UK says: “Thank you so much to Miller Harris for their thoughtful support during this exceptionally challenging time. This is a period of great anxiety for everyone, but especially for older people and their loved ones. Age UK is determined to be there for older people who need our help and especially for those who have no one else to turn to in this time of crisis. Thank you for making sure we can respond to the growing needs and unprecedented demand we’re seeing.”
Together Miller Harris and Age UK encourage other brands and the public to join the support and make a much bigger difference. For more information about Age UK and their services, head to https://www.ageuk.org.uk.
If you a brand that would like to help and join the support, please submit your donation and enquiry to the following link. For members of the public looking to join the support, Age UK have also today announced that it is calling on the country to come together to help the Charity raise £10 million for its Coronavirus Emergency Appeal. Demand for Age UK’s vital services has increased rapidly, with the Advice Line seeing a 30% increase in demand, while The Silver Line has experienced a 40% increase in calls from older people who are deeply anxious, depressed and in desperate need of reassurance and friendship.
Help Age UK keep their Information & Advice and friendship services running and help the local Age UKs provide practical help such as food parcels by donating at www.ageuk.org.uk/coronaappeal.
