Infamous Diner in Manchester is to close its doors to the public on Sunday 20 December to offer free Christmas dinners to struggling Salford families.
The scheme – a joint project with children’s charity Wood Street Mission – will see over 90 families invited to the American diner for a day of festive food and drink.
This Christmas Wood Street Mission is distributing food and new toys to 2000 families and about 4,500 children – twice the number of families referred than at any other time of year.
Each family will enjoy a meal together and restaurant bosses at MAD Ltd is fundraising to put on entertainment throughout the day including magicians, balloon modelers and face painters.
There’ll be some celebrity appearances from Coronation Street stars, and of course Father Christmas, who will be giving each child a gift to take home.
Operations Director of MAD Ltd, Jonathan Hawkins says: “We just wanted to give something back to the local community, and as a team we felt this was a great way to do that. Christmas is about the kids and families enjoying time together.
“A family meal out isn’t something that everyone has the luxury of, especially for those who are struggling financially.
“We’ve had some superb support from our partners and suppliers so far and the whole MAD team is looking forward to making this day extra special for the families we’ll be looking after, who need some extra support this Christmas.”
Roseanne Sweeney, Chief Executive, Wood Street Mission added: “Christmas should be about more than survival, but for one in three local children whose families struggle on a day-to-day basis to make ends meet, sadly it is just that.
“So we are over the moon that thanks to the generosity of the team at MAD we are able to offer some of our families this fantastic experience ahead of Christmas.
“But there are many more families who need help with the expense of the season so we have a Christmas Appeal that we would encourage anyone to help support if they can.”
The Christmas Appeal ensures that all local children can enjoy the fun and festivities, by giving families food and toys.
Anyone can help by donating non-perishable food, sweet treats, and new toys and books suitable to give as presents to children up to the age of 12.
Or give to the Christmas Appeal online at www.justgiving.com/woodstreetmission.
