Local volunteers to prepare over 200 meals on Christmas Day for those in need

A group of volunteers are giving up their Christmas Day to help those in need

Caritas is a social action charity that provides services to improve the lives of people who are in need. 

Along with other community partners including Young Christian Workers, Impact & the Council of Christians & Jews, volunteers are delivering over 200 food parcels and Christmas dinners tomorrow.  

The dinner is all prepared by volunteers at Bury Parish Church on Christmas morning, with The Victoria in Walshaw cooking the Turkey and providing the pigs in blankets free of charge.

Caritas volunteer Lisa Lilley said: “For the last six years, we’ve put on a Christmas meal at the Bury Parish Church Town Hall, they let us use their hall and kitchen equipment free of charge and it’s great that they let us use that” 

“The demand is so much greater than last year, which is a shame”  

It’s the first time in two years that people have been able to visit the drop-in café at the parish church due to COVID, with last year’s meals being delivered only. 

Lilley described the support they get from the local community across Greater Manchester, “We have some very generous parishioners in St Joseph’s Ramsbottom, St Bernadette’s Whitefield and St Michael’s Whitefield who have all donated money and food 

“The local school in Ramsbottom, St Joseph’s Primary, also collect food for us which is great” 

YCW Impact Volunteer Kate added: “It’s quite rewarding and it’s the best way to spend Christmas by helping other people”

Funds have also been raised via a JustGiving page set up for the event, £1,270 has been raised to date, with donations still accepted until next Friday (31st December)

If you or someone you know would like to order a meal, please contact Lisa by calling 07855 306 074. 

The team are also looking for volunteer drivers tomorrow, so if you can spare some time please get in touch. 

Bury Parish Church Hall is open between 1pm & 3pm on Christmas Day for the drop-in café. 

🗣️ "It's a great community event, we have help from many people" @CaritasSalford are cooking over 200 Christmas meals tomorrow at @BuryParish we spoke to volunteer @LilleyElisabeth. @BuryRedDoor @YCWImpact @CCJUK @infovicwalshaw #RVRNews pic.twitter.com/uDw2SkJqKE

— Roch Valley Radio (@RochValleyRadio) December 24, 2021

🗣️ “It’s quite rewarding and it’s the best way to spend Christmas by helping other people”@YCWImpact volunteers told us why they decided to get involved in the Christmas day meal. @BuryRedDoor @CaritasSalford @CCJUK @infovicwalshaw #RVRNews pic.twitter.com/OvtI48nlzp

— Roch Valley Radio (@RochValleyRadio) December 24, 2021