Volunteers give up Christmas Day time for others

The not-for-profit venture in Avenue Road, Leamington, lays on the meal every year to give those on low incomes and the unemployed a chance to tuck into festive food at a low cost.

Staff and volunteers are also inviting homeless people in the area to take advantage of the kindness of a Leamington woman, who has bought 12 sleeping bags to loan to those spending the night outdoors during the winter.

The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, is storing the sleeping bags at the venture, where they can also be left by homeless people during the day to avoid the risk of them being stolen. She began handing them out last week but hopes to continue throughout the colder months.

Those without a home, as well as people who may be alone, can also spend Christmas Day at Bath Place, which will be open from 11am to 4pm.

Free food, prepared and served by staff and volunteers who are giving up time away from their own families, will be available from noon to 2pm and hot drinks throughout the day.

Manager Stinder Johl, who came up with the idea, said: “There may be a lot of people who are alone on Christmas Day and would like a bit of company and warmth.

“It just seemed like a good thing to do. Last year I volunteered at the Salvation Army so I thought it would be good to open up Bath Place as well.”