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Former Homeless Man Is Putting On Christmas Dinner For 600 Lonely And Vulnerable People

Former Homeless Man Is Putting On Christmas Dinner For 600 Lonely And Vulnerable People

He came up with the idea four years ago and has since served up hundreds of dinners

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

A former homeless man is putting on a free Christmas dinner for 600 lonely and vulnerable people - and if that doesn't make you feel all warm and fuzzy then there's no hope for you.

Simon Whitter, who lives in Liverpool, began putting on his massive Yummy's Scouse Christmas dinners four years ago and in that time he has served up hundreds of meals to those in need.

Speaking to LADbible, Simon said: "I grew up in care, I was homeless at 16 and I've battled with addiction and mental health problems. I've been able to overcome that and now it's good to be able to give something back.

"With Universal Credit coming in this year, I think it's more important than ever. We hear daily that people are having to make the choice between heating and eating, people are having to rely on food banks, we hear of people waiting weeks to get their benefit money through. It's a tough time for lots of people."

So Simon and his team of volunteers are all set to roll up their sleeves and set about creating a three-course meal for those in need - as well as little hampers for people to take away, gifts for kids, entertainment and a visit from Father Christmas.

There's also presents, as well as a three-course meal.
Yummy's Scouse Christmas

Naturally, putting on such a massive event is no mean feat, so Simon starts planning months in advance and has a Just Giving page for anyone wishing to donate.

"The kindness and generosity we see from people is amazing," he said."We get offers of hundreds of people who are willing to volunteer - giving up their Christmas Day to help out.

"We get donations of food - local farmer Stephen Cook donates all the veg and Nando's give us pre-cooked chicken. One year they donated 2,000 pieces of chicken! Other people donate presents for kids and a local charity, Pajama Party, donate loads of new PJs for the little ones."

As well as helping those who might not be able to splash out on a fancy meal, the Yummy's Scouse Christmas dinner is open to anyone who might otherwise be on their own on 25 December.

Last year Simon and his volunteers served up 1,000 Christmas meals.
Yummy's Scouse Christmas

"It's about social inclusion," Simon explains. "We don't just see people who can't afford Christmas - if you're rich but you're facing the prospect alone, then you're more than welcome to come along. There's no parameters for loneliness.

"Christmas has lost its meaning - it has no meaning now and I hate that. It's all about how much people spend, when it should be about being together."

You can find out more about the Yummy's Scouse Christmas here or you can donate to this amazing cause here and give yourself the warm and fuzzies.

Featured Image Credit: Yummy's Scouse Christmas / Liverpool Echo

Topics: Christmas, UK News, Feels, Community