LONELY and disadvantaged Rugbeians were welcomed to the Benn Partnership Centre on Christmas Day.
Kind-hearted volunteers – including former Mayor Coun Belinda Garcia – gave up their time to host the annual event and to provide free transport to guests who otherwise might not have been able to get to the Railway Terrace community centre.
Coun Garcia’s husband Paco and his team cooked up a traditional turkey dinner as well as options for vegetarians and other dietary requirements.
Games, carol singing and other entertainment were provided, and Father Christmas gave out presents.
Benn Partnership Centre Trustees thanked the volunteers as well as Cemex for funding the event, Tesco, Asda, Aldi and Mitchells Potatoes for food donations, Mark Pawsey MP and Bunzl Catering Supplies for donating table decorations, and Hazel Townsend who supplied the turkeys.
Centre Manager Nathan Gregg said: “Without everyone’s help and support, none of this would have been possible. It was great to share the happiness and goodwill of Christmas with everyone present.”
