FESTIVE FRIENDS CHRISTMAS LUNCH 2020

Festive Friends is back for the third year running in 2020, however unfortunately due to the Covid-19 pandemic the Christmas meal will not be held at Tannadice Park this year.  Having taken time to rethink our approach, Dundee United's Community Trust (DUCT) is pleased to present its plans to support individuals and families who are isolated and in need of some support on Christmas Day.

The Community Trust were intent on delivering a Christmas meal to individuals or families within their own home for Christmas Day and we are pleased to have partnered with Balhousie Care Group who have agreed to prepare a Christmas lunch for 120 individuals on Christmas Day, and the Trust will arrange an army of our excellent volunteers to deliver the hot lunches to people’s homes. 

Of course, the Trust cannot replicate the excellent atmosphere that the Christmas Day meal at Tannadice has achieved over the last two years, but to try and compensate for the reduced activity on Christmas Day the Community Trust is planning an exciting programme of activities in the lead up to Christmas Day including the distribution of a festive hamper over the Christmas period to those we are supporting on Christmas Day. In addition to the delivery of a hot Christmas Day meal and gifts, the Community Trust will give each of the meal recipients a friendly call on Christmas Day.

Thanks to the fantastic efforts of the Team DUCT Kiltwalkers, over £4,800 has been raised so far for the Christmas meal for local people that may not have any family with whom to spend Christmas Day and families that may need extra support at this time of year.

David Dorward, the DUCT Chairman said: “We like to think we make a difference throughout the year but being able to deliver a festive meal on Christmas Day is extra special and we couldn’t do it without a wonderful band of committed volunteers. We also need the help of the community to identify and encourage people who might be on their own on Christmas Day to get in touch so that we can give them a happier Christmas Day. If you know of someone who would benefit from our Christmas Day meal, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.”

A spokesperson for Balhousie Care Group said: “We’re thrilled to be helping with such an excellent community initiative. Combating loneliness is especially important around Christmas and particularly this year, so bravo to Dundee United Community Trust for coming up with an innovative solution to its Festive Friends initiative.”

Dundee United Community Trust is starting to get in touch with organisations and groups that would know of individuals or families that may like to receive our support on the day. However, if you know of anyone that may benefit from some company and support on the day, please get in touch at enquiries@dundeeunitedct.co.uk. 

Should you wish to donate a present for our guests to give them a fantastic Christmas Day, please email the Community Trust at enquiries@dundeeunitedct.co.uk. 

There is still time to sponsor Team DUCT at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/DUCTFestiveFriends2020 and help to give people an amazing Christmas experience.