Senior politicians serve up Christmas Dinner to less fortunate

Leader of the council, Allen Brett, Mayor Mohammed Zaman, MP Tony Lloyd and Councillor Faisal Rana spared some time on Christmas Day to help serve hot meals to those less fortunate at the annual Rochdale Community Partnership (RCP) Christmas dinner.

Over 150 people attended the dinner for the needy and vulnerable at the former Rochdale Magistrates’ Court, which provided a hot meal, tea and other refreshments.

The dinner was supported by the Al-Khair Foundation, an international Muslim aid non-profit organisation, and Penny Appeal, which provided poverty relief across Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Just over 50 volunteers came and gave up their own time throughout the day, helping RCP provide winter homeless kits, clothes and toys donated by various local charities and donors.

 

 

Four homeless hostels were sent food for the day as well and over 25 deliveries to homes were also made by volunteers.

Senior volunteer, Mohammed Zaheer said: “This was our third annual Christmas Day meal. Year upon year, it is getting bigger.

“We are just grateful that we can provide this service on the doorstep in addition to our weekly soup kitchen held at the old Magistrates every Tuesday between 5.30-7pm.

“We always welcome any food donations from businesses or organisations that would like to support us, and we look forward to your help throughout 2019.”

Another volunteer called Kath added: “It’s been really nice to come and spend time with those that may be in difficulties and just share a nice meal and have somebody to talk to.”

RCP would like to thank all those that contributed and supported the annual meal.

In the new year, the group hopes to begin running classes for service users such as employment opportunities, CV writing and help with interview techniques.