It’s an event that serves the community by bringing people together over a good Christmas meal.
The Salvation Army held its annual Boxing Day meal to help people financially or to alleviate feelings of loneliness over the Christmas holidays.
The food hall in the former Fairfield School, in Douglas, was filled with warmth as hot meals came out of the kitchen, tea was poured and people sat talking to those next to them or watching the Salvation Army choir sing on stage.
This year saw about 50 people have a meal with 20 volunteers helping.
Stephanie has been coming to the Boxing Day meal since she was very young.
She said: ’I come back every Boxing Day because I love it. You get a lovely meal and the staff are so nice to you. It’s good they can help people who can’t do very much and it’s nice to get people out of their homes and mixing with others.
’I don’t know what people would do if the Salvation Army ever closed down.’
Angela said: ’I’ve been coming since last year.
It’s very helpful, saves money and everyone is very nice.
’I like the company and the singing is good!’ Christine said: ’I’ve been going for 12 years. I used to live on Lord Street and go to the Salvation Army citadel there.
’I love the atmosphere of the Boxing Day meal, the food and the caring staff.’
Alison, who reached her fourth year of volunteering at the event, said: ’The volunteers aren’t allowed in the kitchen, but we help serve plates of food, teas and coffees and just socialise. For me, it’s putting something back into the community. I like helping people and I like to try and extend the Christmas spirit.’
Lieutenant Dylan Nieuwoudt said: ’We’re blessed to have this opportunity to share food and fellowship with the community and we’re encouraged that the volunteers have come and supported us.
’For me, sharing each other’s company is alleviating loneliness. Some people are a little bit more isolated at this time with family and friends travelling.’