Kallis, the community-driven initiative co-founded by Kate Ferdinand and Ellis Ranson, has teamed up with charity Independent Age, to provide older people living in financial hardship with a festive event filled with food, music, festive treats and connection. The event took place at the Independent Age offices in London on Friday 12th December.
The collaboration brings together Kallis’ mission of providing community support through a day of treats, designed to enhance wellbeing, with Independent Age’s mission to tackle later-life poverty. The charity supports older people in financial hardship through its free helpline, grants giving programme and policy research. Independent Age wants a future where every older person is financially secure living with choice, confidence, and dignity.
Attendees were older people living on low incomes who have been supported by Independent Age and who also have supported the charity in 2025 by volunteering, including sharing their experiences of life on a low income. As a thank you, they were gifted Christmas stockings and jumpers, and entertained with a performance by Britain’s Got Talent’s Wayne Woodward, they chatted over afternoon tea, played games, and even had a Christmas themed singalong.
Kate Ferdinand, Co-Founder of Kallis, said:
“Everyone deserves a relaxing day where they are treated well and pampered. Sadly, too many people never get to experience a proper ‘me day’. That’s why we set up Kallis, so we could team up with charities to provide a day of fun and treats for those less fortunate. It’s amazing the positive vibes someone can get from a day of laughter, bonding and conversation.”
Ellis Ranson, Co-Founder of Kallis, said:
“Partnering with Independent Age has really helped us learn about the vital work they do for older people, and allowed us to treat older people living in financial hardship to a wonderful Christmas themed day.”
Independent Age Chief Executive Joanna Elson, CBE said:
“We are delighted to have teamed up with Kallis to put together this brilliant day for older people in financial hardship who have been supported by us, but who have also given their time to raise awareness of the reality of life on a low income.
“With the continued high cost of living, Christmas can be a challenging time for many, so we are pleased to have been able to bring people together in this way. Thank you Kate and Ellis for bringing the joy of Kallis to Independent Age this Christmas.”
