Guildford Volunteers Spread Festive Cheer with Christmas Meal Deliveries

Volunteers are preparing hundreds of sprouts, carrots, and mince pies with the aim of spreading Christmas cheer among residents in the Guildford area. This initiative forms part of a festive tradition established by the Gaskin family seven years prior. Over 500 Christmas dinners are scheduled for delivery to residences located within a 10-mile radius of the town on Christmas Eve. A large contingent of helpers prepares these meals and transports them to individuals who might otherwise lack a festive meal. Businesses across the county contribute food for this celebratory meal. Matt Gaskin clarified: “We do it because there are so many people in need of a good meal on Christmas Day.” He elaborated on the origin, stating: “We used to have a spare space at the table for an unknown guest or someone who has passed away. My daughter said ‘Dad we’ve always got so much food left; don’t you think we should fill that space.’ So we started having people at home and then went to the village hall, and it got bigger and bigger.” He further remarked: “It’s all about community, making friendships and helping those in need.” The delivery service commenced during the Covid-19 pandemic, and Mr Gaskin anticipates a return to shared communal meals in the coming year. His wife, Marta, manages the logistical aspects, guaranteeing that meals reach those who have requested them. She also incorporates cards made by children from St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School, the location where volunteers prepare the food. She commented: “We receive a lot of messages with thanks.” She expressed her gratitude, saying: “I’m very grateful to the sponsors and the helpers because it’s a lot – helping peel vegetables, delivering and cooking.” Her son, Miki Marciniak, stated: “It has become the new norm for us.” He added: “It’s worth it ten times over to do this at Christmas.” Kim Horwood has participated as a volunteer since the initiative’s inception. She remarked: “It’s good to help people at Christmas, specially when everybody’s busy.” Her mother, Wendy Horwood, was occupied with preparing sprouts. “You do not count them, you keep going til they’re done,” she stated. Volunteers were tasked with preparing 3,000 carrots and sprouts. Collectively, the numerous assistants cook 22 turkeys, which include six halal options, along with 100 litres of gravy, 3,000 roast potatoes, and 900 pigs in blankets. This marks the first year Kenya Finey has served as a volunteer. She recently experienced homelessness and had been residing in a night shelter. “Lots of people have helped me, lots of charities and volunteers and it’s nice to give back this year. It feels good,” she shared. Olly Dexter, a new volunteer, expressed his eagerness to assist the community. Elaine Luck, whose husband Ian passed away unexpectedly at Christmas, mentioned her long-standing desire to contribute to the meal preparation. “It’s perfect to do something like this and it’s good to meet people,” she commented. Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, and on X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.