A Christmas angel will spread her wings to help the lonely and vulnerable in Angus again this year.
Angus mother-of-two Kerry Swankie will give up spending Christmas Day with her family to cook lunch for people who would otherwise be alone.
For the third year running, Kerry will awaken the spirit of Christmas in Arbroath by serving up turkey with all the trimmings.
Kerry said it was an easy decision to make after the success of last year’s event, which again received phenomenal support from members of the community.
The festive invite to anyone who would have been alone was a big success, with people of all ages turning up for a three-course meal.
Kerry appealed for donations and the “staggering response” ensured twice as many people were catered for at the CAFE Project in 2014.
“This will be the third Christmas I’ve organised this and I’ve been overwhelmed by people’s generosity,” Kerry said.
“It gives us the chance to give people who would otherwise be alone a chance to spend some time with others and have a chat.
“Last year we were also able to give out presents and shopping to people who turned up for a hot meal.”
Hot meals were also handed out to homeless people and the CAFE Project received a three-figure sum from the donations.
Any excess money raised this year will again be given to the CAFE Project, to ensure it goes back into the community.
Kerry and her army of volunteers hope to cater for up to 50 people, depending on donations and the level of demand.
“We hope local people and businesses will be just as generous again this year,” Kerry added.
“Organising this event every year has become hugely rewarding and I couldn’t imagine not doing it again this Christmas.”
She was initially inspired to organise a Christmas meal in 2013 by a colleague who had taken on a similar challenge.
She used Facebook to ask for advice on where to hold the lunch and for help pulling the many strings of her plans together.
Anyone who wants to get in touch with Kerry, to inquire about the meal or make a donation, can call her on 07713 929761.