A DAY centre for the elderly is appealing to residents to get involved in events to raise money for a minibus.
Endike Community Care, in 21st Avenue, north Hull, has so far raised more than £3,000 towards buying a minibus for elderly people who visit the centre.
A second-hand minibus is estimated to cost £15,000.
The centre has been without a minibus for three years after its last bus had to be scrapped because the cost of maintaining it had become too expensive.
Debbie Taylor, events co-ordinator, said: "The people here have not had a minibus for three years.
"We used to take people on trips and to the shops, but we had to take the bus off the road.
"It is something we very much miss."
The care centre has been fundraising for a new bus ever since.
Peter Musgrave, 73, raised money for a new bus by having his back waxed during the summer.
Mr Musgrave regularly attends the centre's Silver Surfers club, which takes place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Ms Taylor said: "We hold computer classes three days a week.
"One of our silver surfers decided to wax his back to raise money towards the minibus fund."
Other members of the group raised money by making Christmas cards and baking buns.
The centre also held a raffle during Christmas, which raised £2,000, with all the proceeds going towards the bus fund.
One man, who did not wish to be named, donated £1,000 to the appeal.
His wife, who suffers from dementia, is a regular visitor to the centre.
Carer Gary Williams and volunteer Ian Gill raised money by growing beards earlier this year.
Mr Williams, 56, of east Hull, said: "I have never grown a beard in my life, so it was quite new to me. It started quite a competition to see who could get the most.
"We had a lot of donations from the families of people who come here.
"A new minibus will mean a lot to them because we can take them shopping."
The two men raised £1,500.
Mr Williams said he plans to sit in a bath of custard for his next fundraiser.
Organiser Eileen Wright said a new bus would be invaluable and would mean the centre could reopen on weekends.
Ms Taylor said dates for the centre's upcoming fundraising events will soon be announced on the centre's website endikecare.co.uk.
Food Bank helpENDIKE Community Centre set up the first food bank in north Hull more than a year ago to help hard-pressed families.
Food parcels have been distributed at the day centre for the elderly in 21st Avenue.
All people in need are welcome to use the food bank.
The centre provides clothing for the homeless from its Bricknell Avenue charity shop.
To donate food, visit the centre or call organiser Eileen Wright on 01482 809473.
• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
•Politics news for Hull and East Riding
