Volunteer gear up for Ireland’s largest Christmas Day Dinner
In Dublin, Ireland, the spirit of generosity and compassion becomes more prominent as the holiday season draws near. Volunteers from all corners of the country are gearing up to make a difference on Christmas Day by participating in the 99th edition of the Knights of St. Columbanus Christmas Day Dinner.
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More than 200 compassionate individuals have eagerly signed up to lend a helping hand at the RDS, where they will work tirelessly to provide a three-course meal for up to 550 of Dublin’s poor and homeless. For those who are less fortunate, the menu features soup, Christmas dinner, Christmas pudding, and light refreshments, guaranteeing a cozy and satisfying celebration.
Collaborating with organizations like St. Vincent de Paul, Simon, Alone, Age Action, and Dublin City, the volunteers aim to extend their generosity beyond the event itself. More than 4,000 takeout meals and goody bags full of necessities like food, drinks, toiletries, and household goods will be delivered. These packages will be distributed to individuals in their homes, offering comfort and sustenance beyond the Christmas Day festivities.
The growing demand for takeaway dinners underscores the challenging economic conditions faced by the community. Data recently released by the Department of Housing indicated a concerning rise in the number of people looking for emergency housing. 13,179 people were in such circumstances at the end of the third quarter of 2023, up 88 families (4.8%) from the previous quarter and notably up 291 families (18.2%) from the same period in 2022.
Children make up a significant portion of those in need, with 3,904 children among the 13,179 individuals facing homelessness. According to a report, these numbers make the city the ninth most expensive in Europe, so community support and programs like the Knights of St. Columbanus Christmas Day Dinner are critical.
The recently appointed Chairman of the Christmas Day Dinner Committee, Trevor McNamara, expressed gratitude for the event’s tenacity over nearly a century. He underlined how important it is for sponsors, donors, and the committed group of volunteers to make the event possible. “We encourage businesses and individuals to contribute to the continuation of this long standing charitable tradition,” Trevor said, inviting “those in need to celebrate Christmas Day at the RDS with us. The admission, meal, and service are free.”
In addition to serving meals, volunteers also run a free coach shuttle service to and from the RDS. Starting at 9:30 am, the shuttle will run every 20 minutes, guaranteeing accessibility for everyone. In addition, attendees will receive a warm welcome from volunteer dancers and musical bands who will be bringing positive vibes to the special guests.
This year promises a warm and spiritual welcome for members of various Irish homeless associations, further highlighting the inclusive and compassionate nature of the event. As Christmas approaches, Dublin’s volunteers are proving that the true magic of the season lies in coming together to create joy and warmth for those who need it most.
