The Celtic Manor Resort and International Convention Centre Wales have teamed up with The Salvation Army and other charities to provide a nourishing festive treat for the homeless and vulnerable people in need in South Wales.
Leading up to Christmas, a team of eight chefs from the Celtic Collection venues will have prepared more than 900 turkey dinners and vegetarian alternatives for serving at charity centres and delivering to vulnerable people in need.
The first batch of 320 individually portioned frozen meals was collected from ICC Wales head chef Gavin McDonagh by The Salvation Army in Cardiff, and will be delivered on Christmas Eve, along with a wrapped present and a Christmas card, to people who would otherwise be without a Christmas dinner.
Further donations are being collected from the Celtic Manor Resort to support the Christmas charity work of Newport’s Stow Park Community Centre, Pobl, Eden Gate and The Salvation Army in Newport.
Celtic Manor Resort and ICC Wales Culinary Director Peter Fuchs told us……
“The Salvation Army and partner charities do incredible work to support the vulnerable people in our community and we were delighted to be able to support their activity once again this Christmas. We were pleased that this year we were able to adapt some of the food we prepared so that we could create individual meals for those unable to attend a centre under the present health restrictions.
“We serve thousands of Christmas dinners every year at Celtic Manor and ICC Wales to those joining us for parties and family celebrations, but none give our teams greater pleasure than making these contributions to those in need within our community.”
You may have come across The Salvation Army during your Christmas shopping trips across South Wales, but the work they do isn’t only at this time of the year. They are active, and supportive, 365 days, no matter what. Actually, music plays a big part within the organisation.
The Salvation Army is well known for its love of music. Young people across the country are given the opportunity to learn an instrument and be a part of its many groups in brass, singing and more contemporary forms of music.
They also engage thousands of young people aged 4-25 through its many churches and community-based programmes.
This is always a particularly busy time for the Salvation Army and across the Wales Division, they have a number of volunteering opportunities available. Whether your skills are in cooking, arts and crafts, singing, music or you just enjoy being with people; if you have a few spare hours each week, our Corps would very much appreciate your support.
For more information on how to volunteer with The Salvation Army, please visit HERE.
You can also find Individual volunteering roles that are available across Wales via their Facebook page, or you can phone or email an individual Corps to find out more.