Moray volunteer café offers free Christmas dinner to community
A community cafe is opening its doors on Christmas Day so residents can enjoy a free festive meal.
The Cuppa Cafe, at Lhanbryde Community Centre (LCC), is hosting a free Christmas dinner on the big day for the first time.
Susan Sutherland, LCC chairperson, said she hoped the event will mean no-one is forced to spend Christmas Day alone.
She added that volunteers were happy to organise pick-up and drop-off for those unable to get to the centre.
“We thought there are probably a lot of people out there at home on their own, with no family or friends even,” Susan added.
“And there are mums and dads out there who can’t afford to buy food for their kids on Christmas Day.
“We just thought: ‘Why don’t we do it on the Christmas Day, and try to get as many people to come along as we can?’
“Just to get people together and just enjoy Christmas Day.
“We do need them to book a space, just so we know how many people we are going to be cooking for.
“Santa will be there and everybody will get a gift.”
Spaces are still available for the dinner, and can be booked by phoning Susan at 07754 426802 by Wednesday, December 18.
Along with classic Christmas dinners, popular alternatives like chicken nuggets and chips will be available for younger diners.
The Cuppa Cafe recently celebrated receiving a large grant from the National Lottery Community Fund, which will support the purchase of food for the event.
The community centre has recently been decorated for Christmas, including the “fantastic” donation of a new Christmas tree for the hall.
Sarah thanked the volunteers who are willing to give up their Christmas Day for the good of others.
“The centre has been going for a long, long time but until now there haven’t been the volunteers to do on Christmas Day.
“But, currently, there are a lot of younger people who are willing to come in and help.
“They are giving up their Christmas Day to come in, just because they want to help people.
“They could just be sitting at home watching telly, or on their Xbox, no bother.
“But instead they are coming out and helping other people.”
