Community Trust throws huge Christmas dinner for local charity

Fleetwood Town Community Trust gave a festive gift to local charity, The Mustard Seed Group, when they invited them to Highbury Stadium for a delicious Christmas dinner.

Yesterday, the Community Trust served Christmas dinner to almost 100 service users, as well as the volunteers who help run Mustard Seed.

Fleetwood Town’s food and beverage suppliers kindly donated all of the food for the occasion, and the meal was prepared and served by Community Trust employees with a little help from the chefs from the club, who all pulled together to spread some Christmas cheer and make it a special experience for everyone.

There was entertainment throughout the afternoon, including a Christmas quiz, a free tombola, karaoke, and the Community Trust’s Sports College students performed a nativity play that they put together especially for the event.

Matt Hilton, Chief Executive of the Community Trust, said

“We wanted to give something back this Christmas and the group that always gets forgotten about are people that live in isolation and the homeless. We decided to work with some great partners to put this Christmas meal on for these very important people, that normally may not get to enjoy a turkey dinner.

“It’s great that so many people have given up their time, at such a busy time of year, to help with the event.

“Whilst loneliness isn’t just experienced at Christmas it’s an opportunity for us to identify those who are most isolated and to offer further support throughout the year. Most people love Christmas, but not everyone gets to enjoy the day as much as they would like. In fact, for some people it can be a lonely time. With yesterday’s event, we wanted to make sure that older people and those less fortunate have a place to go to celebrate the festive season.

“I would like to thank all Community Trust staff for organising such a heart-warming event, and I’d like to give a special thanks to Kane Parker, Head Chef at Fleetwood Town, and Assistant Chef, Damien Paton.”

“The attention has been wonderful,” said Carollyn Sillis who was at the event. “We’ve had a lovely time and the food has been delicious. I could cry with gratitude!”

“Christmas Day used to be such a sad, miserable time for me. Now, I can smile all day and enjoy other people’s company,” said another guest.

Hilary Craig, Mustard Seed’s Manager, added:

“It’s wonderful that we can work with Fleetwood Town Community Trust in providing such a wonderful community Christmas party for socially isolated and deprived.”

The Mustard Seed Group is an outreach charity for those who are lonely, vulnerable, in crisis or people experiencing short term difficulties and complications to their lives. They hold a weekly session where they offer hot meals and a place for people to relax and meet others in a safe environment.

Visit their Facebook page for more information.