A Cardiff chip shop that has been opening its doors to the homeless and vulnerable for the last four Christmases sent out over 700 meals on Christmas Day this year. Victoria Fish Bar in Whitchurch has been gathering volunteers to hand out meals, as well as coats, hats, gloves, and scarves to those in need.
This year also marked the third year that an invitation of a free meal was extended to NHS and public service workers. The chip shop, which opened its doors for three hours on Christmas Day, distributed 720 meals in total. Earlier this month, they called out for volunteers as well as donations for clothes and essentials after a "tough" year with the cost of living crisis.
In addition to distributing the meals to hospitals and the Huggard Centre, volunteers distributed donations of clothes, toiletries, and essentials to the homeless in Cardiff.
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"Today we have been overwhelmed with your love and support, around 720 meals were distributed successfully around Cardiff," the chip shop said in a post on social media. "We provided food to Heath Hospital, Llandough Hospital, the Huggard Centre and many other centres, up and down the city, all with the support of our amazing helpers.
"We also distributed your generous donations of food, clothing, and toiletries to the homeless, with most supplied to the Huggard centre. We would really like to thank the wider community for their support especially the Whitchurch community, you guys are vital and without you this wouldn’t be possible." The chip shop also went on to thank their suppliers, RM Potatoes, M&S catering, Peter’s pies, Clarke’s pies, Victoria Park Pies, Global Foods and Webber’s Fish.
"This year was successful, and we honestly can’t put into words how grateful we are especially to the helpers. You guys are the reason why we strive to be the best and we hope this community effort carries on, at all times of year. Yet again, thank you and God bless," they said.
Their efforts last year saw a team of 40 volunteers gather to distribute over 900 meals and was even paid a visit by former Cardiff City player Will Vaulks before the big day, receiving a signed shirt from all the players and 50 tickets to give out to customers.
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