The Knights of St. Columbanus Christmas day dinner at RDS in Dublin returns in 2022 after two years of Covid restrictions and will feed thousands of people in need.
The event is the biggest free meal in Ireland on Christmas day for the homeless, poor, and needy with over 4,000 takeaway meals provided and 550 guests served by over 300 volunteers.
The volunteers will give up their Christmas Day to feed homeless people, homeless families, and those in need which marks its 98th year in 2022.
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A shuttle bus is being provided for the guests to and from RDS with pick-up points in the central area of Dublin City such as Clery’s Clock in O’Connell Street. Meals will also be distributed across the capital.
A statement from the Knights of St. Columbanus Christmas day dinner organisers said: " Normal services do not operate on Christmas Day and many poor, homeless people and homeless families in our capital are left with no resources and nowhere to go.
"Therefore the Christmas Day Dinner in the RDS becomes more important than ever especially if we consider that according to the Department of Housing, last month the number of people in emergency accommodation countrywide surpassed 11,000, which is the highest number ever recorded."
On Christmas Day in the RDS, over 550 guests will be provided with a three-course meal of soup, traditional Christmas dinner, Christmas pudding, mild refreshments, and entertainment in a festive and spiritual atmosphere created by performers who will freely give their talents to provide entertainment.
Toys will be provided to the many homeless children attending the dinner.
In addition, some 4,000 takeaway Christmas dinners and Christmas puddings are prepared and delivered to the homes of the poor, needy and lonely throughout the Dublin area with the assistance of St. Vincent de Paul, Simon, Alone, Age Action, Dublin City, and other groups who provide transport.
The demand for takeaway dinners has increased significantly from 1,200 in 2012 to 3,500 in 2019, reflecting the difficulties experienced by families and the poor.
"The need for takeaway dinners is increasing every year reflecting the difficulties experienced by the community in these serious economic conditions, especially nowadays if we consider how families are affected by the energy bills price, which is becoming more and more expensive," organisers added.
In addition to the meals, volunteers pack “goody bags” with food, toiletries, soft drinks and household goods for those in need. This bag of provisions is provided to all 550 guests attending the dinner and a bag is included with the takeaway meals to help the poor and homeless during Christmas Day and on St Stephens Day.
"A warm, friendly and spiritual welcome is extended to all that have little food or money and the blessings of the Christmas season are experienced by our guests during this holy time. This year there will be a warm and spiritual welcome for members of Ukrainian community who have confirmed that they will be attending the dinner," the statement continued.
Paddy Sheridan, Chairman of the Christmas day Dinner Committee, has said a big thanks to RDS management for having offered again the venue to support the charitable event.
Those in need are invited to attend the RDS to celebrate Christmas Day.
"We also encourage businesses and individuals to donate by contacting us at www.christmasdaydinner.com or by sending any contribution to Ely House, 8 Ely Place, Dublin 2 to sustain this event."
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