Food & Drink

Charities, churches and volunteers going the extra mile to ensure the lonely have a hot meal and company on Christmas Day

Volunteers are helping make Christmas cheerier for people around Ireland
Volunteers are helping make Christmas cheerier for people around Ireland Volunteers are helping make Christmas cheerier for people around Ireland

CHARITIES, churches and volunteers across Northern Ireland are once again going the extra mile to ensure people living on their own have company and a hot meal on Christmas Day.

Belfast:

Common Grounds Cafe in University Avenue in the south of the city is offering free Christmas dinners between noon and 3pm on Christmas Day.

Glentoran striker Nacho Novo is throwing a special Christmas party at the club's Oval Stadium on Christmas Eve as a thank you from the former Rangers forward for the reception he has received since signing in the summer.

If you know someone who would appreciate an early Christmas dinner email billpeden4@aol.com or contact Sarah, Jodie or Simon at the Milk Bar at The Oval.

Devenish Complex is hosting a Christmas dinner for the homeless people helped by Hope Outreach for the Homeless on December 22.

Glengormley:

The Captain's Table on Carnmoney will be serving up Christmas Day dinner from 2-4pm and guests will also receive a goodie bag.

Contact owner Hillary Braniff on 9083 2265 and for more information visit the Captains Table on Facebook.

Co Armagh:

The Crossfire Trust, in Darkley, is offering food and company for those who do not wish to spend the day alone.

Starting with coffee and mince pies at 11am, the trust will serve Christmas dinner at 1.30pm and round off the afternoon with afternoon tea and carols.

The faith-based reconciliation charity can be contacted on 028 3753 1636.

Co Down:

Newry and District Gateway Club is hosting A Bite and Banter from 1-5pm on Christmas Day at its Kilmorey Street premises.

Co Derry:

In Coleraine, volunteers from the Vineyard Compassion charity, run by the Vineyard Church, offer a five-course meal, carols and an appearance by Santa at Hillman’s Way, off Ballycastle Road.

Transport can be provided on Christmas morning for guests in Coleraine, Portrush and Portstewart.

Those wishing to attend are asked to pre-book their place on 028 7022 0005.

Co Antrim:

Upstairs at Joe's, in Cushendall, will be repeating its act of kindness to people around north Antrim with the preparation and delivery of a turkey dinner on Christmas Day.

Last year kind-hearted chef Pol Shields prepared more than 100 dinners, which were distributed by a team of volunteers.

The restaurant has asked for anyone wishing to avail of a meal to contact 028 2177 2849 or SDLP councillor Margaret-Anne McKillop.

A

Greenisland Fooball Club

Between 1pm and 4pm there will be food, music chat and entertainment. Those wishing to attend are asked to text 07835 989216 or email greenislandbc@gmail.com.

Vineyard Church, Lisburn

Between 12.30pm and 3.30pm the Vineyard Church on Altona Road will be hosting people for dinner.

To book your free place at the meal go to laganvalleyvineyard.com/event/home-for-christmas or call 8926 71887.

Age NI is serving Christmas dinner at its centres across the north and you can help the charity by buying a £5 Christmas e-card which will guarantee an older person gets dinner and a bit of craic on Christmas Day.

A Facebook page, entitled 'Christmas Day Dinner for people on their own', has also been set up, with people offering to donate home cooked Christmas dinners.


Co Donegal:

Trinity Hall in Letterkenny will be providing a free meal on new year's day for those who are homeless or lonely from 2-5pm.

For more information contact Linda on 0878340534.

In Donegal town, the 11th annual Christmas day dinner for people living on their own will be held in the Conwal Parish Hall, behind the Church of Ireland, from 1pm until 4pm.

Co Tyrone: 

Omagh Community Church will be hosting dinner at Drumragh College. Anyone wishing to attend is asked to call 07522 621608 or drop in to The Community Centre, Old Market Place, Omagh.

** If you are offering free Christmas dinners or know of an organisation that is please email digital.editorial@irishnews.com and we will add the information to this list **