Volunteers bring festive cheer to the homeless

THE festive spirit was alive and well across Wales as hundreds of people across the country gave up their time to help those less fortunate than them.

Charities and businesses opened their doors to help homeless people.

The Huggard Centre, in Hansen Street, Cardiff, gave visitors as part of a three course meal.

Chief executive Richard Edwards said: “It has gone very well and everyone received a three course dinner.

“We have had about 80 people all of which are from the Cardiff area with half a dozen volunteers helping.

“Christmas can be a difficult time for people who are homeless and in the new year we’re are going to continue our battle to help people off the streets permanently.”

Elsewhere in the capital, cafe Granny Mac’s on City Road opened from 11am until 2pm serving a three-course dinner which included soup to start followed by roast turkey with a choice between Christmas pudding or chocolate log for dessert.

Manager Leanne Edwards went really well.

“This year we also provided for the emergency services as well and took some food down to Cardiff Bay Police Station said: “It as well.”

In the valleys 50 volunteers gave up time on Christmas Day to cater for people who were planning to spend Christmas alone. They join Father Richard Green at St Fagan’s Church in Trecynon, Aberdare, to enjoy a feast.

It is the third year, and they also plan activities as well as showing the Queen’s speech.

Fr Richard said: “This is the third year, we started in 2015 and this is about as many people as we can accommodate.

“We have had about 50 volunteers over the day but they are in at different times.

“Every guest gets a gift on the day and it’s free – everything is donated by local businesses.”

Volunteers from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA) in Cardiff went on to the streets of Cardiff and gave away bedding including duvets, towels and pillows on Christmas Eve.

Kaleem Ahmed, youth leader for Cardiff said: “Islam urges every person to partake in charitable giving, and that even an act of kindness towards another is charity.

“AMYA has, and continues to, instil young people with a sense of civil responsibility and a desire to promote harmony within our local communities.

“Our members have enjoyed living in Cardiff for decades and so any opportunity to help our local Community is a much welcomed one.”