'We had a great time last year, and I'm going back with friends this Christmas': Operation Rudolph gets ready to welcome one and all!

Inspiring Connection's Operation Rudolph is getting ready for a busy Christmas and you are welcome to come along!

Operation Rudolph provides meat boxes, prepared Christmas meals and presents to those in need or alone this Christmas. As well as this, a fabulous festive lunch - with all the trimmings - will be served in Mackarness Hall on Christmas Day.

The team behind the charity event have been busy fundraising in the last few months, and they recently organised a large event at The Deer Park.

Sharon Thorne is one half of Inspiring Connections and she is keen to stress that the support offered by Operation Rudolph is open to all. You do not need to receive benefits, earn below a certain income or be a pensioner.

She told Nub News: "Operation Rudolph is a team - a community team - where we work together to support each other, including those who may come to the Community Meal on Christmas Day at The Mackarness Hall. Everyone has something to offer, from sharing a story, listening to each other, laughing and merrymaking! 

"The community meal is open to all, not just there to reduce isolation, but to bring people to together, in a warm and safe space. It's not about 'need' or only for people who maybe on universal credit/state support, it's a community event where we sing , eat and be together."

Jacqui Crooke came along for the first time last year but she has already booked again for this year. She said: "I came along last year when I realised it was all about friendship and meeting people.

"You don't have to receive benefits or any support. We had a great time last year, with Sharon and everyone, drinking wine - it was great fun! This year I'll be meeting up with my three friends. And the food was brilliant too.

"If you're thinking about contacting Inspiring Connections and coming along to the community meal, I say do it - you'll really enjoy it!"

If you would like to find out more about the community meal or any other services available this Christmas, please contact Inspiring Connections here.

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