A big-hearted businessman admitted he’s been blown away with offers of support - as he gears up to provide a free feast to socially isolated pensioners, the homeless and other vulnerable individuals on Christmas Day.
Trained chef Brian McCabe, 50, is giving something back to the community on Christmas Day.
He’ll open his brunch bar, Soup At Nova, in the Lorne Arcade, Ayr, and provide a FREE three-course festive meal to the less fortunate.
It’s all part of Brian’s desire to do something special to support groups of people who, for whatever reason, won’t be part of a traditional family gathering on Christmas morning.
Our previous article on Brian’s endeavour prompted widespread offers of help, food donations and cash pledges from the good people of Ayrshire.
So much so that he’s nearly smashed his initial £500 target and has increased it to £1000.
Brian has set up a JustGiving page where he hopes to help finance the day and complete the event with some special touches such as Christmas crackers, party hats and other Festive items.
He’s also recruited a singer to perform on the day.
Brian revealed: “The response has been so good we have raised our target and hopefully that continues.
“So many people have now volunteered to help on the day thanks to the article in the Ayrshire Post and on Ayrshire Live.
“We now have a singer booked to entertain the guests with swing Christmas tunes.
“I’m still able to offer some places for a Christmas Day meal."
Two big Ayr companies have pledged their support to Brian’s Christmas Day crusade. Booker Ayr, in Heathfield Industrial Estate, and supermarket giants Morrisons, Ayr, said Brian can count on their support.
Brian, who opened Soup At Nova in August 2021, said: “I’m just trying to do the right thing for a certain group of people.
"I just want to give back to the community and help some people out, so essentially it’s an event on Christmas Day for people in need, or those that are maybe just alone and would like some company.”
Any surplus from the fundraiser will go to good causes, Brian insists.
If you would like to attend Soup At Nova for a free Christmas Day meal, Brian is asking that you come along to the brunch bar in the Lorne Arcade by 5pm on Wednesday, December 21 for a discreet face-to-face chat and he will do his very best to try to accommodate you. Numbers are limited and bookings will be made on a first come, first served basis
Anyone who wants to lend their support, or assistance, are asked to e-mail soup.at.nova@gmail.com
To donate to Brian’s fundraiser go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/brian-mccabe-1?utm_term=zYxW2azKp
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