A church charity teamed up with a mobile restaurant to serve festive gourmet meals to the homeless and vulnerable.
Riverside Community Trust (RCT) offered the takeaway street food as part of their Care & Share service- a drop-in for people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or in need of some support and companionship.
The team at The Ghillie Dhu Mobile Scullery kindly offered to set up in the church carpark on John Street, Ayr and provide a delicious lunch for Care & Share members.
Service regulars tucked into a meal of burgers, chips and debatable festive favourites- brussels sprouts.
Michael O’Neil, of The Ghillie Dhu, said: “We got a real buzz from helping out. The staff all gave their time to come out and we all found it really worthwhile.”
Lizzie Adrain, RCT Development Worker, said: “It was really generous of Michael and the team to provide meals to the people we help at Care & Share.
“It was humbling that even in these times when small local businesses are finding things tough and unpredictable, there is still a desire to help people who have less.
“The food was excellent and really lifted the spirits of all who came along.”
Riverside Pastor Ian Gall added: “This really was a special Christmas treat. Gourmet food served with a smile. A huge thanks to Michael and all the team from The Ghillie Dhu.”
RCT adapted their usual projects to help those in need throughout the community during the pandemic.
The Care & Share service changed to offer a takeaway service of hot soup, tea/ coffee and a sandwich plus a small food parcel to those in need.
And since reopening, in a reduced capacity, have been able to offer access to services including NHS addiction team, Seascape & NHOS Oral Health.
The RCT team opened a temporary foodbank, which saw over 1000 food parcels helping 1200 adults and 300 children over a seven-month period.
Peer Support Workers Mark Maxwell and Karen Alexander took to the streets in the High Street and in Wallacetown checking in with between 30-40 people a week, offering packed lunches and practical help with phone calls to lifeline services, providing clothing, toiletries and gas/electricity top ups.
•For more info, help or support visit: https://www.facebook.com/riversidecommunitytrust or phone 01292 262686.
