The team behind a popular city-centre pub which opened on Christmas to offer a place for the homeless and the vulnerable to spend the day was left shocked by the sheer scale of the plight people are facing after serving up double the amount of meals they were expecting.
McChuills on the High Street opened in the afternoon until 10pm on the 25th, with a free event giving out Christmas dinners and gifts to those in need, which included a shuttle bus for picking up and dropping off those attending.
However, they posted on their official Facebook account that the event, which saw them team up with the charity Homeless Project Scotland, really opened their eyes to the "heartbreaking" situation many are facing this winter.
In a post which thanked everyone who was involved in helping out at the event, they wrote: "Yesterday really brought home the dire situation that many people are now facing in life.
"Glasgow families on the brink with no food in the house, no heating and no money for even the smallest of presents for their kids."
They added that some people just wanted to come somewhere where they could be warm, as opposed to sitting at home cold and alone, while refugees, who are now living in "absolutely terrible conditions", were also able to come along and enjoy some festive cheer.
Thankful that they were able to alleviate the pressure on them if even for a day, the team added: "Saying that, there was a great atmosphere in McChuill’s all day long and for the last few hours we got on the disco music and had everyone up dancing, because what’s a Christmas party without some dancing?
"It was a bit different for the bar as there was no alcohol involved, just soft drinks, but it was still a proper party in McChuill’s, because at the end of the day, it’s the people that matter and make it what it is."
Expecting to serve only around 150 meals at the event, they ended up serving over 300 and were able to raise a further £730 for the volunteer-run charity.
The post finished by stating: "So one more time, from the bottom of our heart, thanks again to everyone involved yesterday. It was a special day and a reminder that as tough as life may be getting for so many, we’re all here for each other, no matter what."
Followers of the pub's account flocked to thank them for their efforts.
One wrote: "Fantastic job, so sad that this has to happen in 2022."
While another added: "Giving your time says more than money or words, to anyone that was involved I salute you for your kindness and generosity! Kudos to you all. Hearts of gold."
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