Ne'erday Lunch Makes Everyone Feel Welcome

The Calton Heritage and Learning Centre rolled out a New Year welcome to people in the local community on New Year’s Day.

The doors of the popular Centre were thrown open so people could come along and have a Ne’erday Lunch.

The move was a first for the Centre which has played a vital role in the community since it opened just over four years ago.

The aim on January 1st was to make sure people who were perhaps on their own on the first day of the year would have somewhere to go for companionship AND to enjoy a lunch.

Not content to offer lunch at the Centre, volunteers then went out into the city centre and provided food for the homeless even calling at a hostel to provide food to more people.

Nineteen people were helped on the streets, 34 at the hostel and 31 came to the CHLC.

Centre Manager Rosie Robertson explained: “The CHLC plays an important role in the Calton community. We wanted to make sure that we marked the first day of the year by doing something worthwhile which benefits the community we serve.

“That’s why we opened our doors to those keen to join us a for a lunch and it was a big success. Going out into the city centre to help homeless people and those at a hostel was equally important.

“I want to thank those volunteers who came in on New Year’s Day and gave up their time to help others. It was a real team effort and we are so grateful to every one of them.”