3,500 free meals to be distributed to the poor and homeless in Dublin on Christmas Day

The meals will be distributed by 300 volunteers in Dublin on the day.

Christmas dinner is the one meal every year that most of us look forward to more than most, but it’s often not so simple for those without a roof over their heads and those less fortunate in Ireland. In light of the recent homelessness crisis in Ireland, the demand on the service provided by the Knights of St. Columbanus has increased dramatically over the years, but once again they’ll be extending a warm welcome to the homeless, the poor and any person who may have little food or money on Christmas day. This Sunday, the Knights of St. Columbanus will host the 92nd Christmas Day Dinner for the poor and homeless, providing a safe, warm and festive place for the needy to come at Christmas time. The Christmas Day Dinner Committee and over 300 volunteers will distribute over 3,500 free meals on Christmas Day, through sit down meals in the RDS and takeaway meals delivered to shelters and to those in need. The demand on the service has increased dramatically in recent years, from 1200 meals in 2011 to 3000 meals in 2015 and 3,500 this year. The service would not be possible without the commitment of the 300 volunteers who give up their Christmas Day and help feed those in need. Volunteers will help to provide free transport to and from the RDS and will organise the preparation and distribution of meals and entertainment to those in need within the community. Normal services do not operate on Christmas Day and many poor and homeless people in our capital are left with no resources and nowhere to go. Guests are encouraged to attend the free dinner which is held annually in the RDS, where they will be treated to a three course meal of soup, Christmas dinner, Christmas pudding and mild refreshments. There will also be music and entertainment to add some special Christmas cheer to the day and on leaving, guests will be presented with a ‘Goodie Bag’ containing food, toiletries, soft drinks and household products for the following days. Chairman for the Christmas Day Dinner, Adrian King, said: “We invite all those in need this Christmas to attend the RDS to celebrate Christmas Day with us. The demand for the service has grown substantially over the years, as has the number of people subscribing to volunteers at the dinner. The warmth and generosity of the volunteers continues to inspire us. This day would not be possible without their help.”