Each year we host two pre-Christmas meals over two separate days, welcoming about 80 people in total. These aim to be warm, joyful gatherings where people feel valued and included. They are open to anyone who would benefit from company, support or a sense of community at a time that can be incredibly tough. That includes people who are experiencing homelessness, financial hardship, isolation or simply facing Christmas alone. No one is excluded.
Mission means meeting people where they are and showing love in practical, compassionate ways. Providing a Christmas meal is a way to express the heart of our faith: offering hospitality, dignity and hope without judgement. It’s about demonstrating that every person matters. Sharing a meal in a warm, safe space allows us to walk alongside people, listen to their stories, and remind them that they are not forgotten.
Everyone receives a Christmas gift. We create a festive atmosphere with decorations, music, laughter and space to relax and chat. The most important element is a sense of belonging.
For many of our guests, this meal is the only celebration they experience over the season. Some tell us it’s the first time in months they’ve sat at a table and eaten a hot meal with others. For us, it’s a privilege. It means living out our commitment to care for our community – we want our community to know that our support is not limited to Christmas. We could not do this without the incredible generosity of the public.
Our goal is to help people not just survive, but flourish. We are deeply grateful for every volunteer, partner and member of the community who helps make this possible. Together, we can ensure that no one in Falmouth feels left behind.
by Captain Karen Thomas
