How we celebrated Christmas in August

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Serving Christmas dinner at St Annes
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Last week we celebrated Christmas in August. That’s right, August. It’s a little different from what most people were doing in August, but there’s a very good reason why. Last December, we were unable  to hold our annual Christmas dinner for the homeless due to Covid-19. It was heart-breaking. It’s always a great event, full of joy and cheer. Although we still supported our clients and gave out Christmas gifts, it just wasn’t the same.

 

So, when The Northern Affinity asked if they could support us during their Christmas party for Northern businesses in August, we jumped at the chance to work with them. The Northern Affinity planned an amazing Christmas party for businesses that had regrettably had to cancel their Christmas dos last year. By working together, we were able to put on two great Christmas events! Let us tell you how.

Why we celebrated Christmas this August.

Christmas is often a very difficult time for our clients. Many feel isolated and alone. They are estranged from family and friends. Like all homeless charities, we provide as much connection and support during this time as possible. Part of this includes our annual Christmas dinner at the local day centre for the homeless in Leeds, St Anne’s Resource Centre. As you can imagine, not being able to hold the dinner last year was devastating.

How we celebrated Christmas in August.

Last Wednesday, was the day of our August Christmas dinner. We served 51 homeless clients Christmas dinner and everyone had a fantastic time. We couldn’t have pulled off such an amazing day without support from St Anne’s Resource Centre, The Northern Affinity and our fantastic corporate partners. 

Christmas gifts from Torque Christmas gifts donated by Torque
Serving Christmas dinner at St Annes Serving Christmas dinner at St Anne's Resource Centre

Support from St Annes Resource Centre.

We can’t thank St Anne’s Resource Centre enough for letting us use their space for our Christmas dinner. Together with the Simon on the Streets team, in partnership with St Anne's Community Services, we prepped and cooked Christmas lunch for 51 at the Resource Centre in Leeds.

Partnering with The Northern Affinity.

We couldn’t have done Christmas dinner without The Northern Affinity. Their team did everything they could to champion our cause. Their Christmas event raised over £1,000 for both our work and Christmas dinner.

"Thank you for putting this [event] on. It's been a really nice day. Thank you."

Thoughts on our Christmas Dinner From a client.

Help from our corporate partners

We also had amazing support from our corporate partners. Our charity of the year partner Torque donated amazing Christmas gifts for our homeless clients which were given out on the day. And John Sisk & Son donated staff time. Their team came down to St Anne’s Resource Centre on the day to serve the Christmas meals.

We can’t thank everyone who donated to our belated-Christmas dinner enough. Your support provided a hot Christmas meal and a joyful day for all. Our thanks to The Northern Affinity and our corporate supporters, without you we wouldn’t have been able to bring a day of joy to our clients.

As we head into winter 2021, we know that homelessness is going to increase. With the measures put in place during lockdown to prevent homelessness being lifted, more people will need our support. Can you support us to continue to provide vital emotional and practical support to people experiencing homelessness? Donate today

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