Donate a dinner scheme aids lonely at Christmas
PEOPLE PAYING FOR MEALS TO BE SENT TO THE VULNERABLE
CHRISTMAS dinners are being donated to people who are vulnerable and lonely this Christmas.
Matt Foster, of Coleorton, set up the service to provide a Christmas dinner free for those who might not be able to afford one, or who might not be making one this year because they are going to be alone.
The 37-year-old initially set up Staying Inn during the first lockdown.
He said: “I built a small website to help people understand which businesses and bars were open for takeaway and delivery.
“I found a lot of businesses weren’t good at letting customers know so I identified which were open – usually through Facebook – and put them on the website.”
The website became a one-stop shop for residents to find out information about businesses, without having to go through individual Facebook pages.
However, when Lockdown 2 and Christmas loomed, Matt realised his website could be used for more.
He said: “I had already built a good relationship with the businesses, so I asked them if they would be interested in setting up a Christmas dinner pay it forward scheme.”
The businesses were immediately on board, Matt said, and he soon garnered the support of friends and neighbours.
He said: “I thought it was a nice way to help and neighbours and friends loved the idea.”
So far, Matt has three pubs in Coleorton on board – The Angel Inn, The George and Dragon and The Cross Keys – but is hoping to expand the scheme across Leicestershire.
Already “a few dozen” Christmas dinners have been donated, according to Matt. He is expecting three more pubs to come onboard once the tier announcement has been made tomorrow.
He said: “People don’t need to prove they are deserving or give evidence they need it – I want it to be simple and easy for someone who feels like they might want it to have one.
“I know more people will be spending Christmas day alone this year, so hopefully this will be a nice gift for them.
“I just hope people use the scheme.
“I was expecting it to be a case of people donating an extra Christmas dinner, when they buy theirs, but I’ve found people are calling up specifically to donate two, three or four dinners.
“This scheme helps the businesses and those who are isolating or vulnerable so I am hoping to get even more people involved.”
To get involved, follow the link to Donate a Christmas dinner at: