A family-run café in Ayr will open their doors on Christmas Day to offer free hot meals to the town’s homeless community.
Carlinda’s Sandwich Bar, at 96 Main Street, will once again throw open their doors to provide soup, rolls and a warm place for those in need.
Carlinda’s owner Kevin Marcellino, who took over from mum Linda Andrews when she retired last year, opened up the café last Christmas and said the experience was “very humbling” and “moving” as he was able to directly help families in need.
Kevin, 32, recalled helping a young mum-of-two who had recently moved into a homeless shelter and was desperate to feed her boys.
He said: “Here I was opening for a few hours knowing that I was going to be spending the rest of the day in a warm, safe environment with my loved ones, eating and drinking the night away; while many people in my community had nowhere to go, no loved ones and very little food to warm them on Christmas Day.
“I remember a young woman in her mid 20s phoned in the shop asking if we could help. She said she wasn’t sure if she was eligible as technically she had a roof over her head.
“She told me how she and her two infant boys had just moved into a homeless shelter after escaping her abusive relationship.
“She came down to the café and we loaded her up with lentil soup and rolls and slice for the boys and herself.
“She was so grateful for what little we could offer. It was very moving - it really is what Christmas is all about.”
Kevin said the decision to open again this year was an easy one and hopes more people can spread Christmas cheer by doing something for those less fortunate.
He added: “I understand it’s only a tiny bit of help - it’s only a bowl of soup and a roll and slice - but I do believe little acts of kindness like this multiplied by many people, who are in a position to help, can really benefit our community.
“The Christmas spirit is all about helping each other and that’s why at Carlinda’s we will be opening Christmas morning for a few hours to help our homeless community.”
• Carlinda’s will open on Christmas Day from 8am to 12noon.
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