Last Christmas, Aycliffe  charity “Helping Hands” held their first Christmas Day Lunch, for people who found themselves alone or in need at Christmas time, and it was a brilliant day to remember!  Guests received a four-course meal, a personalised card and present, and a fun afternoon of Christmas Carols, quizzes and games following their meal.
It was such a success the team were determined to repeat the event this year, but they were in need of a venue – enter Woodham Golf and Country Club, and their food & beverage Managers John & Mandy.
Hearing of the need for a venue, they offered to host the lunch in the lounge overlooking the scenic golf course. Mandy said “Christmas can be a lonely time, so we thought this was a brilliant way to help people in our own community. We are often too busy to recognise there are people in need”. John added “Although we had people approach us about doing various events on Christmas Day, when we heard Helping Hands were looking for a venue to host their dinner, we decided to set aside the dining room for them.”
Helping Hands are so grateful and said “We always want to give the best and this is the best venue we could have dreamed or hoped for.  We could have cried tears of joy because we know the huge impact its going to have on our special guests on Christmas Day”.
The planning and preparation for this year’s Christmas Day Lunch is well underway and promises to be a fantastic event with entertainment, Christmas Carols, great food and amazing company.
If you would benefit from a place at the table, or know someone who would, please contact: lifeline.action@googlemail.com / Telephone or text 07936 431262.
How can you help us make this Christmas Day even better than last year? Events like this don’t happen without lots of work behind the scenes, and Helping Hands want to invite you play your part in making this event a success, and giving our special guests  a Christmas Day like no other.
Make a pledge: Could you make a pledge, however small or large, to help make this event the best it can be? Every penny will be spent on the day. We are looking for individuals and companies who could give food, a Chef, decorations, transport, and money. If you can help with any of these things, or think you have something else to offer towards the day, please get in touch
Give your time: We need volunteers to add to our dedicated team to help with a wide range of things on the day of the dinner. Tasks include:
Greeting guests at the door, Preparing the tasty dinner!, Washing up, Waiters and Waitresses, Entertainer, Cleaning duties, Picking up and dropping off our guests.
You don’t need experience for the general volunteer role, just the willingness and ability to ‘muck in’ and assist where necessary. The minimum age for volunteers is 16, but 16 and 17 year-olds must be accompanied by an adult. There is no upper age limit.
Get in touch – For all enquiries or to find out more, contact: lifeline.action@googlemail.com / Telephone or text 07936 visit our web page http://lifelinecommunityaction.co.uk