Christmas dinner is served
HUNDREDS of people who are struggling to afford food were gifted a specially-made Christmas dinner this week.
The Community Shop – a non-profit social enterprise that provides health and wellbeing support for those in need – served around 300 Christmas dinners for their members in both their Goldthorpe and Athersley branches.
Supported by supermarket chain Aldi, the Christmas dinners provided not only fresh, warm food but a free afternoon out to socialise.
Chief executive Gary Stott told the Chronicle: “We don’t just exist to sell.
“We do sell cheap food, and that really helps families that are struggling financially, but as well as that we’re always asking how we can engage with the community and listen to what they want.
“It’s all about helping people’s health and wellbeing, and that’s not just about food, but escaping social isolation and developing skills.
“That’s why these Christmas lunches are so important – people can get out and enjoy themselves.”
Originally founded ten years ago, the enterprise was the creation of Barnsley’s own Company Shop, which aimed to use their experience of selling surplus food to give back to the community.
Over that period they’ve gone from strength to strength, with their annual Christmas dinners – which have now been served to more than 10,000 people in total – being a constant highlight.
Gary runs the dinner with what he describes as an ‘emergency chair’ approach.
“I think with Christmas and family meals you’ve always got this idea of having emergency chairs,” he added.
“You’ll always have to get them out because everyone wants to get involved and join in.
“We try and recreate that here – we’re happy to have them ready and will make sure that there’s a seat for everybody.
“I’m proud to be able to call this place home – the Christmas dinner is really just the cherry on the cake.”
Everyone in the shop worked tirelessly to make sure that the meal was a success, with local councillors also showing up to help serve meals and collect dishes.
Chef at Athersley, Nick Constantine, said: “We help support people’s lifestyles, especially because everything is so expensive nowadays.
“This gives them a helping hand.”
In attendance and enjoying Nick’s cooking were couple Terri Cairns and June Harper.
They added: “We just really enjoy the ambience and people here.
“We happily tell everybody that they should come down.
“Even if you’re lonely, come down, the people are always so lovely and welcoming here.
“We always have a laugh, and honestly we couldn’t fault it.”