Only Men Aloud prepares to unleash their inner Elf to support people affected by dementia this Christmas

The Welsh male voice group will be donning their green suits and pointy ears to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru as part of Elf Day this December.

Alzheimer’s Society Cymru is also looking for individuals, local schools and businesses to join in the fun and help the charity get a step closer to a world without dementia.

Only Men Aloud chose Alzheimer’s Society Cymru as their charity of the year. The ensemble have since taken part in Cupcake Day and Memory Walk, and are now looking to encourage people to unite against dementia on Elf Day this Friday 8 December.

Craig Yates from Only Men Aloud said: “We are thrilled to be part of Alzheimers Society Cymru’s Elf Day. We need everyone to unleash their inner elves and unite against dementia on Friday 8 December to help fund research, improve care and to find a cure for dementia.

“Many of us have been affected by dementia and the impact is devastating. We are now Dementia Friends and have learnt so much about how to help support people with dementia.

“We are committed to fundraising for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru and raising awareness of the condition. Let’s unite against dementia today.”

All the money raised by its little, and not-so-little, helpers will provide information and support, improve care, fund research, and create lasting change for people affected by dementia.

Paula Langston, Regional Fundraising Manager for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru said: “Elf Day is now in its third year and it is such a fun and festive way to make a difference to the lives of people affected by dementia. Last year we saw hundreds of Welsh elves getting together at their schools, workplaces and with friends. We even saw some of our elves fundraise all the way from Wales to Australia!

“It’s also fantastic to have the continued support from Only Men Aloud who are helping us to reach a larger audience through their fan-base.

“There’s a serious side to it too. Dementia is set to be the 21st century’s biggest killer and could affect us all – there are over 45,000 people living with dementia here in Wales.”

Chief Fundraising Elf, Paula added; “It’s really easy to take part – just ask for one of our special Elf Day fundraising kits by visiting alzheimers.org.uk/elfday which is bursting with ideas about how to make the most of the day.”

The free fundraising pack includes posters, a chief elf badge and other fundraising ideas. Participants can go all out and dress up in an elf outfit, or simply bake some delicious Christmassy treats for donations.

Activities include selling ‘Scrooge Passes’ for a suggested donation of £5 to anyone who opts out and raising sponsorship to persuade the company manager or a head teacher to wear an Elf outfit, and although Elf Day falls on Friday 8 December, events can take place anytime throughout the month. Follow all the Elfie activity on Twitter at @AlzSocWales and on our Alzheimer’s Society Cymru Facebook page. The hashtags for Elf Day are #elfday and #elfieselfie.

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