A Festive Lunch for the local community

Silver Stag of Scotland supported and helped organise a Christmas Festive Lunch at Smiths Hotel in Kirkintilloch for individuals or families within East Dunbartonshire who could be on their own and needed some company on Christmas Day. We are proud to say that the event turned out to be a great success with about 60 people attending and 25 volunteers helping out.

Around 80 people expressed an interest and booked up for this and EDVA did a great job of keeping a note of these bookings and the meal choices. A number cancelled beforehand, but still over 60 people attended on the day. We are indebted to all the volunteers who provided transport either by car or minibus. Everyone was picked up on time and returned safely after the event - so well done to them!

Special thanks to the staff at Smiths Hotel. They had set up the tables beautifully and as several people said "the staff were extremely helpful" throughout the day. It was lovely to see everyone mixing and chatting away as they arrived and the Volunteer hosts did a great job of making sure everyone was comfortable, included and catered for - with crafts and games for the kids.

Smiths provided a delicious 3-course dinner which was thoroughly enjoyed. Our singers entertained everyone and got them singing along. There were games for kids, quizzes for the adults and Christmas music playing throughout the day.

The highlight was when Santa appeared! Everyone was delighted with the gifts which were provided by Health and Social Care, and the local Foodbank also provided selection boxes for the children.

We received many positive comments from people on the day saying how much they appreciated the opportunity to meet with other people, have a Christmas lunch and a good laugh and chat. There was a lovely, relaxed and happy atmosphere on the day. Some people said it was the best Christmas they have had and everything was lovely from the minute they arrived!

We would like to express gratitude to our partners (East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action, Generations Working Together, East Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership) for their invaluable help in preparation and carrying out the event.