Trust's chefs support Caring at Christmas campaign

Food Development Manager, Adrian Kirikmaa led a team of chefs from Oatley House to provide 200 hot dinners at the Trinity Centre for those experiencing homelessness and hardship this Christmas.

Big Christmas Dinner

Caring in Bristol, a charity which works to end homelessness in the city, launched Bristol’s 'Big Christmas Dinner' campaign on December 24.

The campaign has run for three decades and was created to help feed people experiencing homelessness over the festive period.

It saw some of Bristol's top restaurateurs and chef teams provide restaurant-quality dinners with all the trimmings and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for those experiencing homelessness.

The meals included traditional roast dinners and festive foods, suitable for all dietary needs, and this year’s campaign was the biggest event ever, in response to winter conditions and the cost-of-living crisis.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Adrian explained; “Caring in Bristol works year-round to help move people back from the edge of homelessness, or to support those living on the streets, creating a safe and welcoming haven for those who need and deserve help.

“The project runs every day from Christmas Eve throughout the festive period. We’re pleased to be able to lend a hand again this year, with ingredients and chefs for a warming Chicken Tikka Masala and Pilau Rice.

"It was fantastic that many of our suppliers could help out with donations, including Joe's bakery, Nisbets, RD Johns, Total Produce and Harris butchers."

Ensuring no one is left out in the cold

Luke Mitchell, Corporate and Community Partnerships Coordinator at Caring in Bristol said: “This year has been tougher than ever with the pressures on our services mounting due to the cost-of-living crisis plus with the housing and rental prices in the city ever increasing.

"It is making many more vulnerable people in Bristol reach crisis point and requiring our support, and of course Christmas can be a particularly tough time for so many.

“This meant that this year we needed to help more people than ever during our Christmas project and we simply couldn’t have succeeded in doing this without the support of caring companies like St Monica Trust.

"We are incredibly grateful and appreciative of all the support they have provided on the last day of our Big Christmas Dinner providing 200 hot meals to feed those who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to experience this.

"From all of us here at the charity, we would like to say thank you.”