Honiton charity event Operation Rudolph supported more than 900 families during the 2022 Christmas period, the highest number yet. 

The annual event offers support to families and individuals in Honiton to help them enjoy Christmas. The support may come in the form of gifts, meal boxes or attendance at the community meal which was held in Markarness Hall.  

Sharon Thorne ran the annual charity event as part of her Community Interest Group Inspiring Connections, which was established in September 2022. 

Sharon said: "I hope the Honiton community and volunteers are proud to know that their support helped the project support over 900 people. This was approximately 25% up from last year! 

"Behind these stats, there are many heart-warming stories about how the project helped people over what has been a challenging year for many, financially, or around loneliness or isolation."

This year the event reached more people than ever. More than 320 people received a gift from 'Santa', including the children and adults from 80 different families. 

100 meal boxes were distributed, feeding 420 people. The boxes included meat and vegetables for Christmas Day, eggs and a few other bits too. All the products came from the award-winning Combe Farm Shop. 

The Community Meal was also a great success. 120 people had booked to attend the Christmas Day celebration or have the food delivered to their home. 

On the day, there were a number of walk-ins and so in total 160 enjoyed a Christmas meal cooked by the Operation Rudolph volunteers. 

Future plans

Sharon is thrilled that Operation Rudolph is going from strength to strength. 

Due to growing numbers attending the Community Meal, The Beehive has said that the meal could be held there, as it is a larger space and this offer is currently being discussed. 

Several fundraising events will take place in 2023 to pay for December's event, and these are likely to include a second 'Scone Off', a Tesco collection weekend, events taking place at The Combe Farm Shop and potentially The Pig. 

If you are interested in sharing your feedback, commenting on future plans or you would like to be involved, Sharon is holding a '2022 Review' meeting at Combe Farm Shop on 28 February at 2.45pm.