What a momentous event it was when Aycliffe charity Helping Hands team held its first Christmas Day lunch at the Bethany Centre where more than 100 guests and volunteers joined together in to celebrate this wonderful day.
With the help of the Newton News we recruited volunteers that we were proud of. They gave their best and shone brightly as they served our special guests. Mother and son team Cheryl and Connor spent hours of their time preparing the delicious food and said ‘we heard about this in the Newton News and it’s been a privilege to be part of it’ Cheryl added after seeing it all, I’ve shed a few tears in the kitchen, it’s all been remarkable.
The whole event was full of so many special things as the day unfolded. Guests who would have spent Christmas Day alone received a four-course meal, together with a personal Christmas card, present, framed photograph and a visit from Father Christmas.
There were also Carols, quizzes and pass the parcel on offer.
Project Manager Alwyn White said: “This is the first year we have done this. We did not want people to be alone this Christmas, unless they wanted to be of course and we were delighted with how it has turned out.”
She added: “It is not a question of if we do this again, it’s when, with how many and where. We would love to hear from anyone who would like to keep the momentum going so we can add other special events throughout the year. We only have a team of about 20 volunteers but our vision for 2014 is massive and we need a lot more support. If you’d like to make tentative enquiries please e-mail lifeline.action@googlemail.com and you will be guaranteed to receive a swift reply.
Together let’s make 2014 a much brighter year for people who are struggling in our community.”
