FREE FESTIVE FEAST
Volunteers will be making sure homeless and lonely get some Christmas cheer
CHRISTMAS is a time of the year most people look forward to – but for some it can be a time they dread. Whether homeless or living on their own, many people can spend Christmas Day completely alone.
Thankfully, a number of places across Wales will be opening their doors on December 25 to make sure that those who are lonely don’t spend the occasion on their own.
Here’s a list of some places offering free Christmas Day dinners... SWANSEA St Stephen’s Church in Port Tennant will open its doors from noon to 2.30pm on Christmas Day.
There will be a free Christmas dinner, entertainment and even free return transport home.
Reverend Steven Bunting said: “We don’t want anyone to be alone or struggling on Christmas Day.
“You can be young or old, children or not children, it doesn’t matter. No questions asked.
“Come and join us for a Christmas meal and film and we will make sure you get home safe.”
Contact the church on 01792 455671 to arrange your free pickup.
A four-course dinner is also being served in Teilo’s Community Cwtch in Portmead on Christmas Day. With the help of local chef Marc Thomas, Kathryn Charles, Nick Griffiths and a group of volunteers will prepare hundreds of dinners for people on their own.
They will offer soup, a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings, Christmas pudding, coffee and a mince pie or a mini stollen.
Ms Charles said: “This is our third year of providing a free Christmas dinner for people on their own on Christmas Day.
“The first year was a small event organised by Marc, who has spent many Christmases alone. Last year, myself and Nick got involved and the three of us organised a bigger event in Clydach.” TONYPANDY The Ivor Hael Hotel in Llwynypia will also be helping those in need. As well as taking donations for the homeless, the team will prepare Christmas meals for the homeless, elderly and needy families.
They are looking for volunteers to deliver meals on Christmas Eve. The landlord wrote: “Everyone deserves a Christmas. It really upsets me this time of year when I know some people won’t have one.
“If anyone knows anyone alone or if a family is really struggling to put food on the table please ask them would they like a free Christmas Day lunch delivered on Christmas Eve. Last year was so humbling at the huge response from the local community. It really goes to show how lovely people can be.” ABERDARE Once again St Fagan’s Church in Trecynon is inviting anyone who may be on their own to spend the day at the community hall.
The event is free but a deposit of £5 is asked from those attending which you’ll get back on the day. Free transport to the hall is also available on the day.
A post on the church’s website reads: “For the last three years the people of Aberdare have reached out to those who would be alone on Christmas Day and offered them Christmas dinner, entertainment, a gift and companionship.
“As everyone always has such a wonderful time, with the help of our generous sponsors we are doing the same in 2018.
“On arrival guests will be greeted with refreshments and entertainment. A hot Christmas dinner will be served at around 1pm and afterwards we’ll relax and watch the Queen’s Christmas message.”
Volunteers can sign up on a form on the church’s website. CARDIFF The Huggard Centre, in Butetown, will be feeding those in need on the big day again this year.
The centre, which helps to tackle homelessness and also seeks to overcome the problems and barriers that force some people to sleep rough, is open 365 days a year meaning they can offer a place to go for those who need it.
The centre cooks a dinner with all of the trimmings, as well as handing out presents.
Chief executive Richard Edwards previously said: “We try to make it as festive as possible.
“It is the best and the worst time of year for our clients. Having somewhere to go where they can be around other people is important.” BARRY A fish and chip shop on Barry Island will open its door to offer free food on Christmas Day.
O’Shea’s will be cooking for the homeless, needy and the elderly between noon and 3pm on December 25, as well as providing hot drinks, blankets and mince pies.
They’ll also be making deliveries to those who aren’t able to make it down to their shop on the day.
General manager Alice Harding said: “I’m lucky to have a really close family and it got me wondering about those who don’t have anywhere to go or someone to share it with.
“I’m going to try my best to make it the best Christmas possible for everyone involved.” LLANELLI The Salvation Army in Llanelli has been offering Christmas lunch for a number of years and this year is no different.
Volunteers get together to prepare the dinner for those who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day.
Two years ago Major Denise Cooper had her first experience of spending Christmas with the Salvation Army.
“It started as a way to help people at Christmas – those who are alone or have no family. It’s important that people are not at home alone at Christmas,” she said at the time.