Al’s festive party goes down a treat It was a packed house for Christmas Day gathering
It was a Christmas like no other for Al Sams this year, but the Perth chef wouldn’t have it any other way.
Al, who owns Al Fresco’s coffee shop on Perth’s Scott Street, made this Christmas a very special one for more than 30 Perth people.
Having battled mental health problems and homelessness in the past, Al pledged this Christmas Day to providing a day of festivities for anyone who would be spending Christmas alone, without a home or without a meal.
Al organised a free Christmas party, with the help of dozens of local businesses and volunteers.
Speaking once the dust had settled on Boxing Day, Al told the PA: “The place was absolutely packed - every seat was taken and we even had folk sitting outside!
“We had live music, presents sent up from my friends down in Essex where I’m originally from and more food than we could eat.
“We’ve got loads of food left over, so we’re doing the same again today [Boxing Day]. People even came and donated winter coats on Christmas, which we’re going to hand out today.
“The support we’ve had and the turnout has been totally overwhelming.”
Around 15 people came back on December 26 to prolong the Christmas celebrations and partake in the traditional polishing off of the leftovers.
Al, who spent last Christmas alone after being involved in a serious traffic collision, was determined to make sure that nobody in the Fair City would go through what he did.
He explained: “Last year I was in a car crash and if it hadn’t been There were about 30 people on the day
for the ambulance driving along behind me, I wouldn’t be here today.
“I was taken to hospital and I had to spend Christmas by myself, which was horrible. I shouldn’t have come through, and they say everybody gets one chance like this, so I’m really grateful. I didn’t want anybody in Perth to spend Christmas by themselves.”
Since first announcing his
plans for the Christmas meal and party at the end of October, Al has been supported by dozens of local businesses, community groups and individuals.
“So many people have got involved which has been really heartening. We had volunteers from as far as Germany cooking, playing music, giving lifts and much more. Businesses from across Perth have donated everything from food to a tree
Al made sure nobody left hungry