The idea
We think no-one should have to spend Christmas Day alone. So we’re holding our largest ever Big Christmas Day Lunch for up to 350 local residents aged 55 & over who would otherwise be on their own.
Our guests will enjoy a festive meal & live entertainment in good company at Hammersmith town hall. Residents, the Mayor, councillors & council staff will all be volunteering their time and pulling together to give the guests a memorable day.
To make this happen, we're looking for funding for five key things:
Transport - Fully accessible door to door service
Qualified carers - Assisting guests on the day
Catering and equipment - Lunch with all the trimmings
Entertainment & decor - Llive acts, Christmas tree &gifts
Event management - Experienced logistics team
Hammersmith & Fulham Council have already backed the project with £4,000.
If you decide to back the project you will be directed to a bank mandate request. This will be used for a one off payment only when the target is hit.
What we'll deliver
- A gift for each guest to take home
- A team of qualified carers to deal with guests specific needs
- A traditional, slap-up Christmas Day lunch at the town hall for 350 local people who would otherwise be alone
- Free Door to door transport service for all guests
- Entertainment by professional live acts, singalongs & dancing
Why it's a great idea
The Big Christmas Day Lunch helps to combat loneliness during the festive season; it brings the community together to share a delightful day; and it creates a lasting legacy of new friendships.
It also makes guests aware of services that might help them throughout the year, such as befriending, home care, meals on wheels and lunch clubs. And it helps our social services team to identify and offer support to vulnerable residents they may not already be aware of.
Steps to get it done
- Booking and arranging the set-up and decoration of the venue
- Organising guest administration
- Producing an operational and safety plan for the event
- Securing contractors and organising logistics
- Promoting the event to potential guests (borough residents)
- Sourcing a team of volunteers through the Hammersmith & Fulham Volunteer Centre and other local charities
Independent Age
“We’re delighted to be supporting Hammersmith & Fulham council’s Big Christmas Day Lunch again this year. For people on their own, Christmas can be one of the loneliest times. Having a free event that they can go to on Christmas Day, with a tasty hot meal and good company, can make all the difference. We’ll also be offering the guests long-term support through our friendly volunteer visitors and telephone callers.”
