Making Christmas possible - Operation Rudolph invites East Devon residents to access support
East Devon families and individuals struggling with loneliness, food insecurity or simply a shortage of cash this Christmas are being encouraged to access help from Operation Rudolph.
Operation Rudolph supports the local community during the festive season with a variety of options:
- Meal boxes with all the ingredients needed to cook a Christmas meal at home.
- A hot cooked meal delivered on Christmas Day
- A meal served at Mackarness Hall in Honiton with transport provided if needed
- Present bundles for children and young people to age 18 and something for adults too.
To qualify, applicants need to be resident in the East Devon District Council area and should register on the Operation Rudolph website: operationrudolph.com
The meals are funded by money raised at a variety of events which this year have included a quiz night at the Sidmouth Arms, a festive grotto at Combe Garden Centre and the annual Scone Off at Deer Park near Honiton which this year raised over £4,000. Gifts for children and young people were donated by those attending the Scone Off as well as shoppers at Dunhelm and Tesco who are kindly promoting the initiative.
A non-profit organisation, Operation Rudolph is run totally by volunteers, who give up their time willingly to ensure there’s plenty to go round. Many local businesses step up to help in all sorts for way, from baking scones for the Scone Off to donating raffle prizes and auction lots, managing social media, sponsoring events and much more.
Organiser, Sharon Thorne said: “We are so grateful for the generosity of everyone who gets involved. We all feel the same way, that Christmas is a time for community.
“I really would urge anyone affected by loneliness or who is short on funds this Christmas to register. We will do our very best to help everyone who needs us.”
Locals can show their support by taking part in future events including a fundraising quiz at the Heathfield Inn in Honiton on November 27 (please message them to enter a team). For news of other events check out Operation Rudolph on social media.
