A big-hearted mother and son are making plans for Brechin’s first community Christmas lunch, with the help of a host of local saviours.
Volunteers are lining up to help Jess and Kenny Christie bring some joy into what might otherwise be a lonely Christmas day for some locals.
The charity champions say they have also already received generous backing from businesses and the farming community. However, they could also do with a few more helping hands to make the inaugural lunch one to remember.
Jess is well-known for her support of numerous good causes, including her work with Brechin In Bloom and in local charity shops.
Kenny lives in Dundee now, where he is chairman of the charity running the Whitehall Theatre, but he returned to his roots to help with the community takeover of Brechin City Hall and now acts as chairman of its users group.
“We are very fortunate to spend Christmas Day and Boxing Day with our family and extended family,” he said.
“For many different reasons it’s not everyone who has that opportunity. We talked about it with family members and said that we’ll do our thing on Boxing Day this year.
“What could make you enjoy the true meaning of the day more by giving up your time and doing something for others?”
A full traditional Christmas lunch is being planned at the City Hall, with music, games and surprise guests. The pair have also secured the services of a volunteer driver and minibus for the day to help people get to and from the event.
They hope to see 30 to 40 people sitting down to lunch on the day.
Funding has come from the recent Your Budget Your Choice Brechin project and other fundraising.
Jess said practical assistance was what was needed now.
“We are very grateful to have received financial support for this first community Christmas lunch and are keen to ensure that the money raised locally is spent locally,” she said.
“We are not looking for any more financial donations but there are lots of other ways that people can help support us in advance of the day.
“We are asking people to donate a couple of hours on Christmas Eve between 10.30am and 2pm to help with preparations such as decorating the hall, setting out tables and chairs and wrapping gifts.
“It’s actually something we’re looking forward to more and more. We think that by giving up one day we’ll actually be giving others an even more special one,” she added.
To register for the lunch or suggest someone who might benefit, call 07501 215725 or email kenny.christie@icloud.com.
