Mum to cook up free festive feast
A KINDHEARTED mum will take a break from her family’s festive celebrations to deliver a free Christmas dinner to someone in need.
April Sweeney, 33, from central Stockport, is looking for people to nominate themselves or others for the free meal, that will be hand delivered on December 25.
The recipient could be anyone too ill to cook, spending Christmas alone, homeless or elderly. If there is more than one nomination a name will be drawn from a hat.
April, who lives with her husband Lee and their four children, said: “I gave up my job as an estate agent and was worrying about things in the house.
“Then I realised there was a lot of people worse off than me thinking about what colour to do the lounge.
“Last year we made Christmas parcels for the homeless and I handed them out with my two eldest and we did it again this year.
“We always have plenty of food left over on Christmas Day so it’s nice to help other people who are not as fortunate. I’d encourage other to do the same.”
There is other help available for those who are alone or in need this Christmas. Christ with All Saints’ Church in Heaton Norris is offering a free four-course dinner on Christmas Day, 1pm to 4pm for anyone alone and who wants to be with others or finds the day difficult.
Places must be booked, call Jane on 07875 774427.
There is also a free Christmas lunch with presents at homeless charity the Wellspring, on Harvey Street, today provided by Indian restaurant the Qurashi, in Romiley.
The town centre charity is open seven days a week and offers a free hot meal.
Food parcels are available from the Loaves and Fishes project, call 07938 967063, or the Olive Branch, on Castle Street, Edgeley.
And for emergency and long-term accommodation contact Stockport Homes on 217 6016.
Councillor Sheila Bailey, executive member for communities, said: “There are many organisations determined to do everything possible to prevent homelessness and to support people in turning their lives around.
“Accessing this support is the first step towards lasting changes that really make a difference.”
Anyone wanting to nominate themselves or others for April’s dinner can call her on 07711 857740.