Community groups come together to provide free Christmas meal

Monday, 18 December 2023 20:04

By Adam Clark

Community groups across Bury will once again come together this Christmas to provide a free meal.

Caritas Salford, Young Christian Workers Ramsbottom & Cosalea Bury have joined forces. to deliver the meals to individuals and families on Christmas Eve.

Those deliveries will also see children get a present or gift voucher, 125 of these were given out last year.

Over 700 meals were delivered last year, with 100 people attending Bury Parish Church on Christmas Day.

A sit-down meal will also take place on Christmas Day at Bury Parish Church. It will be served from 1pm and guests can stay and have company for as long as they like.

A takeaway meal can be collected if people don't want to stay.

Lisa Moore, Cosalea’s Managing Director said: "In our pursuit at Cosalea Bury to support the most vulnerable, lonely, and isolated in our community, we've witnessed the needs grow significantly over the years, peaking at 700 last Christmas.

"While operational challenges arise, such as cooking Christmas dinner for this substantial number, Christmas wouldn't be the same without being part of this incredible journey with the team who selflessly give up their own Christmas to support others."

Christmas Dinner Bury Parish Church. This service will be available again this year if you know anyone who would would benefit from this service please pass on the information ⁦@CaritasSalford⁩ ⁦@BuryRedDoor⁩ ⁦@YCWImpact⁩ ⁦⁩ ⁦⁦@SixTownHousing⁩ pic.twitter.com/hFzzajmfYw
— Lisa Lilley (@LilleyElisabeth) November 28, 2023

Lisa Lilley from Caritas Salford added: "Sadly, this year the demand is going to be even higher with many people having to turn to food banks not knowing where their next meal is going to come from and finding themselves in circumstances that they never imagined. Food bank use is sadly at record levels in the UK and more and more people living without permanent accommodation.

"This gives the opportunity to meet, give a present and more importantly have a conversation with someone who might otherwise not see anyone on Christmas Day."