Ryde-based charity Aspire is once again busy supporting the local community in the run-up to Christmas. Their ‘Food and Fun’ project, supported by the Isle of Wight Council through the Holiday, Activities and Food Programme, will see around 360 meals provided to children from low-income families over the 2-week holiday period, alongside the chance to play with friends, learn new skills and even meet Santa whilst enjoying the softplay. Additionally, Aspire’s ‘Feed a Family at Christmas’ appeal, supported by Isle of Wight Radio, has raised over £8,000 with extra matched funding support from both Aviva and Sovereign Housing. This will support hundreds of families, not only with a proper Christmas dinner to cook but with extra food over the winter period. On Friday (22nd December), Aspire’s free community lunch will become a community Christmas dinner for regulars and others and on Christmas Eve, volunteers will be delivering up to 100 pre-cooked frozen Christmas dinners to older people and those who need help in preparing for the big day. Chief Executive Trevor Nicholas has said:
“Christmas is always an extremely busy time at Aspire as we do what we can to help our community and every year we try to do a little more. We are so grateful to partners such as IW Radio in helping us to raise funds and especially to all those businesses and individuals that have contributed to help others through our appeals. “The true message of Christmas is about finding hope in a broken world and we want to offer some of that hope to anyone who finds themselves in difficult circumstances.”
Aspire, alongside the Living Well and Early Help Service provide groups, activities, and information points right across the Island and already support and meet with over 1,500 people every month. For those needing support of any kind or just wanting help to get out and meet people they can be contacted on 01983 240732 or [email protected] with further information available at www.LWEH.org.uk.
