Help Wanted for Big Christmas Lunch for the Elderly


UNITED in Hammersmith & Fulham want to provide 700 meals for older residents

Guests at the Big Christmas Day Lunch in Hammersmith Town Hall during December 2018
Guests at the Big Christmas Day Lunch in Hammersmith Town Hall during December 2018

Local charity UNITED in Hammersmith & Fulham and the council are asking for your help in providing a hot Christmas meal to more than 700 older residents who might otherwise go without this Christmas.

They are trying to raise £28,000 to pay for this – and any amount big or small will make a huge difference.

They also looking for volunteers to help deliver the lunch in Christmas week.

“Although sadly we can’t invite residents to join us in person for their Christmas dinner again this year, we want to ensure nobody is left out,” said Cllr Ben Coleman, H&F Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care.

“Last year, residents’ generosity meant we delivered an amazing 500 Christmas lunches to residents spending Christmas alone. This year, our target is 700. Any money or time you can give would be hugely appreciated."

Donate now

Two in five H&F residents over the age of 60 live alone.

Each Big Christmas Lunch will include a quality hot meal cooked by a professional chef from the local community, accompanied by a gift bag full of goodies

They will be delivered to residents in time for Christmas day.

Here’s how your donation will make a difference:

  • £200 will pay for five Christmas packages of a delicious lunch and a gift bag
  • £40 will pay for one Christmas package of lunch and gifts
  • £15 will pay for one Christmas lunch

Or contact Savraj Kaur, executive director of UNITED in Hammersmith & Fulham at team@unitedhf.org.

The H&F Big Christmas Lunch wouldn’t be possible without the help of local charity The Smile Brigade and its team of volunteers.

They’re asking for extra volunteers to help deliver lunches from 21 December up to Christmas Day on the 25th. Deliveries can be made by foot, bike or car – however you like.

The Smile Brigade are also looking for volunteers to help write Christmas cards and make festive hampers. Full PPE and volunteer guidelines will be provided and followed.

To volunteer, visit The Smile Brigade volunteering page or email: hello@thesmilebrigade.org.

Presents of soaps, shower gels, toothpaste and toilet roll, warm socks, thermal vests, hats and scarfs are also needed. Christmas crackers, non-perishable food items, as well as fruit, vegetables, stuffing, gravy, chocolates, Christmas puddings and mince pies, would also be welcomed.

All gifts should be new and unwrapped and will help create a merrier Christmas for elderly residents spending it on their own.

Book your Christmas Day meal delivery.

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December 13, 2021