Rotary Corner: Service above self over the festive period
Rotarians the world over are people of action and people of service. Our motto is “Service Above Self” and this was demonstrated both locally, nationally and internationally throughout the Christmas period, writes Rotarian Rev Clive Doubleday.
Anne Marston and Les Ewen, who are members of Peterborough Ortons Rotary Club, attended fortnightly and then weekly planning meetings from September for a Christmas dinner day for care leavers who would be alone on Christmas Day.
Christmas Eve was spent prepping vegetables, decorating the venue and wrapping a main present and stocking fillers for 50 guests ready for the main event.
On Christmas Day, the guests were picked up from home by taxi by A 2 B taxis who have supported this initiative for the past few years. Activities were available ranging from board games, jigsaws, table football, large Four in a Row and ball games to craft table and pamper hand treatments and manicures.
A sit down dinner was cooked by a chef and team and served in the main dining area, with present sacks for all guests, plus Kingsgate Community Church Christmas goodie hampers and everyday essentials from Waitrose. Those attending for the first time (the majority) were able to select a handmade quilt that represents a “hug” and are made by volunteers for all Christmas Dinners held across the country
This is the fifth year that this initiative has taken place in Peterborough, with the first Christmas dinner started over 10 years ago in Manchester by Lemn Sissay, who had been a 17 year old care leaver alone on Christmas Day.
These events now take place throughout the country wherever volunteers are prepared to organise and give their time at Christmas with individuals and companies kindly donating food and presents or money to cover all costs.
They all follow guidance from the Gold From The Stone Foundation https://www.goldfromthestone.org.uk on how to run these events and the purpose of this special Christmas Day for youngsters aged 18 to 25 who have left the care system and would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day.
More at www.rotarygbi.org