One in a MILLION!
This week, we’re commending the kindness and festive cheer of Abby Carter, 36, from Bristol. She said…
Placing my infamous Christmas bow on my head, I switched into the festive spirit. I looked just like a Christmas present, too!
I wasn’t the gift – but I was going to be giving some.
‘Let’s get this show on the road,’ I smiled, as we opened the homeless shelter doors on 24 December – Christmas Eve.
Kicking off our busiest time of year – something that I’d known ever since 2013.
Just like Santa, the Christmas period means full steam ahead for the team at Caring in Bristol, a homelessness support charity in the city.
Our volunteer chefs roasted turkey, Brussels sprouts and pigs in blankets for our Christmas lunch.
Meanwhile, others loaded up our delivery van with food packages for those facing Christmas on the streets.
And as the guests started filtering in, welcomed by the singing of our volunteer choir, I knew we had a busy seven days ahead of us.
Spending every day between 23 and 30 December at the shelter, we provided 500 people with food, coats, gloves, scarves and flasks.
Helping out on Christmas Day is a priceless experience.
Volunteering ever since my late teens, it was something that I just wanted to continue.
While my family didn’t always like the idea of me spending Christmas without them, they soon came around to it.
However, I still enjoy a festive feast with my family in the evening.
Knowing that I’m making a difference by helping those in need makes it all worth it.
It’s something I’ve come to witness firsthand, too.
Sitting down with a choccie biscuit and a cuppa, I caught up with a regular guest.
She was on a list for permanent housing for years and had been sofa surfing to get by.
But she had a miracle before Christmas on 24 December 2021.
‘They’ve offered me somewhere to live!’ she smiled.
Immediately, I was overcome with emotion knowing that the support I provided her during the process had finally paid off.
It truly was the best Christmas present.
I hope that this year, we’ll see similar success stories.
Seeing the thankful looks on our guests’ faces always brings me back, donning my bow.
I’ll get stuck in with Christmas cooking, gift giving and offering a listening ear – I want to help everyone.
As it turns out, kindness really is the best festive gift – it just keeps on giving.
●visit: caringinbristol.org.uk
We cook an Xmas dinner for 500 guests