Christmas spirit on menu at Fort lunch
The true spirit of Christmas was in evidence in Fort William when more than a dozen homeless and vulnerable people sat down to a traditional Christmas lunch thanks to the generosity of local volunteers and businesses.
The event, held in Duncansburgh MacIntosh Parish Church hall, was organised by Corpach couple Stanley and Carol Ross.
Mrs Ross first had the idea of a meal as a result of her work with Ypeople, a registered Scottish charity providing support to vulnerable groups, homeless help and youth services.
Then her husband suggested providing the whole traditional Christmas day lunch, not just for local homeless, but those who are vulnerable, or even just those faced with spending Christmas alone. ‘There were 10 guests and 11 helpers and of those 11 helpers, I’d say about half fell into the groups we were hoping to help,’ Mrs Ross told the Lochaber Times.
‘It was a traditional Christmas lunch. There was a choice of soups, melon, traditional turkey and gammon with all the trimmings, followed by dessert, tea, coffee and Christmas cake. There was also a vegetarian option courtesy of The Wildcat restaurant in Fort William.’
The kitchen staff included a trained chef and everyone was given a gift thanks to the Lochaber Foodbank, which had also donated supplies, including a turkey.
Mrs Ross continued: ‘The local lunch club made the soups and prepared the veg and also made a big trifle.
‘There were two other turkeys kindly donated by butcher John Macmillan. We also received donations of money to buy food and we also had donations from Tesco, Morrisons and Marks and Spencer.
‘We had catered for between 30 and 40, so there was quite a lot of food and things left over so a lot of people went away with parcels of food for themselves and for people they knew who would appreciate it. It was really lovely. There was a super atmosphere and everyone was clearly having a good time. What a wonderful day it was for everyone involved. We all sat down together for the lunch. Brilliant meal and great company – what more can you ask? Quite a few of the guests said it was the best Christmas they had ever had. The youngest guest was a girl of 19 and the oldest was in their 80s.’
Mr Ross added: ‘It’s also one of the best Christmases we’ve ever had and I think we will definitely hold it again next year. The monetary donations also made it possible for a minibus to be hired to pick up those living a bit outside the town.’
Mrs Ross added that the special lunch had not been aimed at promoting Christianity, but rather compassion for everyone.
‘It was not about promoting the love of Christ but rather showing it,’ she said.
‘We couldn't have done it without the great support we had, from all the donations to helpers and most especially those who prayed for us. We thank them all from the bottom of our heart.’