Woman Organizes Christmas Meal Preparation for Shelters

An individual, known for preparing numerous meals for vulnerable populations, expressed her desire to “give something back” during the Christmas period. Caz Goddard, based in Portishead, along with a volunteer group, dedicated four days to preparing 250 Christmas meals and puddings in her kitchen. These were subsequently delivered to 15 shelters throughout North Somerset. Ms. Goddard, whose efforts were motivated by her deceased father’s extensive charitable activities, has been described as “incredible” by assisting friends. She informed the BBC, “I think it was embedded in me from a very young age that giving back at Christmas is a lot better than taking.” Approximately 15 individuals have assisted Ms. Goddard, who operates her Caribbean catering business, ‘Caz’s Bay’, providing food at pop-up festivals. Over the last four years, Ms. Goddard has volunteered her time to prepare meals for Elim Housing Association, an organization that offers supported accommodation in North Somerset, Bristol, and Gloucester. She stated, “These are people who could be in a refuge, it could be mums and babies, young lads or people who have come off the street.” Andy Herbert, who serves as the team leader for Elim Housing Association, commented, “For some this will be their only Christmas meal of the year.” He added, “For many, this is their family. Some of them are estranged from their family, some are refugees from different parts of the world.” The initiative to prepare and distribute Christmas meals originated during the pandemic and has since developed into a “huge operation.” Donations have included turkey crowns, Christmas puddings, and vegetables, in addition to gift bags filled with presents. Ms. Goddard remarked, “It started with people being vulnerable at Christmas on their own, now it’s turned into a project.” She mentioned that her inspiration to “give back” during Christmas stemmed from her father’s passing when she was a child. She further stated, “He did a lot for things in Portishead, he was very much about giving back at Christmas.” “It’s sad not to have him here and he would have loved this kind of thing,” she continued. She concluded this thought with, “It’s just doing something that he would do.” Maz Craig, a friend, commented, “I know how hard she works, for her to do all of this is unbelievable.” Craig added, “I think it’s just a brilliant thing what’s being done and they get a meal at Christmas, which is I think what everybody should be having.” She concluded, “I’m so grateful that she is doing something like this and I’m able to be part of it as well.” For updates, follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding their external linking policy is available.