People who would otherwise have spent the festive period alone were brought together to share a meal and company – with 35 attending.
Vanessa Browning, founder of Community Mind Matters, organised lunch on Christmas Day at St Norbert’s Church in Spalding on December 25 which included a special guest.
Volunteers including Vanessa’s daughter Rachel Woods-Turner, granddaughter India Rose Waite, Ollie Ford (12) and Coun Ingrid Sheard helped to host the event now in its third year.
India Rose Waite, Vanessa Browning, founder of Community Mind Matter. Coun Ingrid Sheard and Rachel Woods-Turner. PHOTOS: SUBMITTED
Vanessa said: “It was a wonderful day and people were so happy that they had somewhere to go.
“It really was an amazing day with a visit from Santa too.”
“Thanks to everyone who contributed – without them we wouldn’t be able to do it.”
Vanessa Browning with volunteers at St Norbert’s Church in Spalding
Ollie Ford – who earlier in the year took part in the Big Sleep Out – gave out presents while Coun James Le Sage donned a Father Christmas outfit.
Guests enjoyed lunch, dessert, tea, coffee and seasonal mince pies plus other refreshments.
Gifts such as selection boxes were donated by the town’s businesses including Sainsbury’s, Classic News, Greencore, Ink Warrior, food bank and Spalding United football club.
Vanessa added: “We feel that every single year we find more people are on their own.
“To me it is important that they have company and to be somewhere.
“Thanks to everyone for their donations.”
The church was also opened by Vanessa on New Year’s Day serving soup and refreshments.
For further information contact Vanessa Browning by email at info@communitymindmatters.co.uk and visit the Facebook page for more details.