Thatcham finance director awarded Point of Light

Caroline Billington honoured for her charity work

A FINANCE director from Thatcham who has helped more than 5,000 elderly people find company over the last eight years has been named a Point of Light.

Caroline Billington, aged 54, set up her charity Community Christmas in 2011 with the goal that no elderly person should have to be alone on Christmas Day.

The Thatcham-based charity is the latest recipient of the Government-run award which recognises outstanding individual volunteers and people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

Caroline said on receiving the award: “I am honoured that our work in connecting communities by using Christmas as a trigger for change is being recognised. We hear about fantastic initiatives all around the country but know that so much more is needed. I hope this award will encourage more to share what they are doing and others to take action to address that need so that communities get stronger for the long term.”

The Prime Minister, David Cameron, said: “Community Christmas is a fantastic initiative helping thousands of older people around the UK to enjoy a Christmas lunch together.

“Caroline has a wonderful mission to ensure that no elderly person in the UK should be alone on Christmas Day unless they want to be.

“Her simple idea of bringing together hundreds of Christmas events on one website, from huge events for hundreds of people to a table in a local pub, has helped thousands have fun at Christmas. To the older people she helps to enjoy a traditional Christmas, Caroline is truly a Point of Light.”