Selfless Ripon resident goes above and beyond to spread Christmas cheer for the elderly

She’s done it again - kind-hearted Ripon resident Lisa Dalton has gone above and beyond to bring festive cheer by the bucketload to care homes across the city.
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For the third year in a row, Lisa has collected more than 600 gifts for the elderly - a mammoth feat that has all been made possible by the phenomenal generosity of Ripon residents, businesses and community groups who have all been determined to help.

Lisa said Christmas is an especially important time to give and think of others, as not everybody is lucky enough to have family and friends surrounding them.

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Lisa said: “It’s important to think of others at this time of the year, because a lot of people are put in homes and family have moved away so they don’t see them. Loneliness is a horrible thing, even though they have wonderful carers looking after them.”

Lisa Dalton delivering gifts to the Coach House care home in Ripon.Lisa Dalton delivering gifts to the Coach House care home in Ripon.
Lisa Dalton delivering gifts to the Coach House care home in Ripon.

Care homes who have benefited from Lisa’s gift collections include Skell Lodge, Lister House, Borrage House, Sycamore Hall, Sunnyfield Lodge, the Coach House, and the Moors Care Centre.

The response from the Ripon community in supporting the appeal has been overwhelming, and Lisa said just seeing the reaction from residents when they receive the gifts makes it all worthwhile.

She said: “Their reaction is priceless, just seeing their smiles. I think it means a lot to them. This is the third year running that I have been doing this, and it’s become very close to my heart - having my Nan and Granddad with us at 85 and 86 years old, they are the most important people in my life. And it makes me happy to know that someone is getting a smile on their face at Christmas from the kindness of a stranger.

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“I find it so rewarding to do, and it’s fantastic getting the Ripon community involved. Everyone wants to donate, which is fabulous. It’s so heart-warming to know that people feel the same as I do.”

The gift collections are made possible thanks to the support of a number of key businesses in Ripon who act as drop-off points for residents to donate. These include Big Bites, Davis and Lund, Stuff 4 Offices, Intrim Gym, and Hutchinson and Buchanan.

Lisa, who was shortlisted for a prestigious Harrogate and District Volunteering Oscar last year for her community work, said she would love to see even more donations being made before Christmas to bring even more smiles to people’s faces.

Gifts can be handed in at any of the listed drop-in locations - suggestions for items include toiletries, shortbread, slippers, handkerchiefs, puzzle books and slippers.

Email [email protected] to share your latest Ripon news and events, or call the Ripon Gazette news desk on 01423 594823 to get in touch.

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