Funds needed for Christmas dinner event to support young care leavers in Peterborough

The Peterborough Christmas Dinner Project 2025 aims to bring young care leavers aged 18 to 25 together for a traditional Christmas Day celebration filled with good food and community spirit.

Without this annual event, it is thought that many might otherwise face spending Christmas Day alone.

The project is now in its fourth year and organisers are appealing for support to help pay for the meals, along with gifts and venue decorations.

Siva Uttarkar from The Christmas Dinner Peterborough, which is a non-profit organisation, said: “Over the past four years, we have been overwhelmed by the success of our Care Leavers Christmas Dinners in Peterborough. Thanks to the generosity of our community and the unwavering support of local businesses, we’ve been able to offer many young people an incredible experience – one filled with love, laughter, and a sense of belonging.

“As we look ahead to Christmas 2025, our vision is to build on this success and once again show these young care leavers just how much their community cares about them.

"These are young people who are stepping into adulthood after leaving the care system, often facing Christmas alone for the first time. But with your help, we can ensure that this Christmas is one they’ll never forget.

"This year, we need your support to make the 2025 Christmas Dinner even more memorable. We’re raising funds to provide each care leaver with a delicious meal, thoughtful gifts, and a hamper of food to enjoy in the days following Christmas. Additionally, we want to ensure that the venue is beautifully decorated and that our guests have safe and comfortable transportation to and from the event.”

Supporters can help by donating to the project’s JustGiving page, gifting items for food hampers, desserts and cakes for pudding, or by offering transport on the day.

For more details, email [email protected] or visit The Christmas Dinner – Peterborough on Facebook.