A Cardiff chip shop will be opening its doors to the homeless, vulnerable, and elderly free of charge for the fourth year running. Victoria Fish Bar handed out 975 meals on Christmas Day last year, as well as giving out coats, hats, gloves, and scarves to those in need.
This is the third year that the fish and chip shop will be extending their invite to NHS and public service workers to come and have a meal free of charge. The Whitchurch-based chip shop announced that they will be opening for three hours on Christmas Day to provide the free meals, from noon to 3pm.
As well as providing the free meals at the chip shop, they will be delivering food all around Cardiff and are on the hunt for volunteers. Having provided warm clothing to those in need, the chip shop has also put a call out for any donations of clothing and essentials after a "tough" year with the cost of living crisis.
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The team said: "Our team at Victoria Fish Bar have decided to stay open yet again this Christmas, to support our community. This has been a tough year for everyone especially the homeless, elderly, and vulnerable due to the energy and inflation crisis. On Christmas day from 12 to 3pm we shall be open for the homeless, vulnerable, and elderly providing free food and drink as well as clothing donations.
"Also, we will be delivering food all around Cardiff, so we will need volunteers. We would also like to show our gratitude to the NHS and public services, so to those working on Christmas, feel free to pop in and enjoy some scrumptious food at no cost, you guys are heroes. So, whoever would like to volunteer or donate clothing/essentials please contact us."
Last year, the fish bar said they were "overwhelmed with your love and support" and 975 meals were distributed around Cardiff. They also provided food to Heath Hospital, Llandough Hospital, the Huggard Centre and other places, including care homes and police stations.
A team of 40 volunteers helped to make the mission a success and additionally distributed food, clothing, and toiletries to the homeless, mostly to the Huggard Centre. Speaking of the work of their volunteers last year, the team said that they had had their most successful year so far and thanked their volunteers, saying they were "the reason why [they] strive to be the best and [they] hope this community effort carries on for years to come."
Last year, the chip shop was even paid a visit by former Cardiff City player Will Vaulks in the lead up to their efforts before Christmas Day. He donated a signed shirt from all the players as well as 50 tickets to give out to customers.
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