Chartwell House care home hosted its Christmas community initiative last weekend delivered with partners the Parish of St Laurence and Newington Primary School.
The Festive Food Pantry, held at hosted at St Christopher’s Church, continues to provide vital support to local families experiencing food poverty during the festive season, offering essential food items and festive items.
Since its launch in 2022, the Festive Food Pantry has supported more than 100 families, and this year alone, approximately 100 families were able to access support thanks to the generosity and dedication of the community.
Volunteers from Chartwell House worked alongside Anna Chaplaincy Judith Andrews, and welcomed The Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, The Bishop of Dover, who volunteered on the day and shared their admiration for their unity shown across the Ramsgate community.
The Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin said: “I was deeply moved to see families coming and selecting items from the ‘Festive Food Pantry.’ This action of providing this pantry would have made a real difference to the lives of many, taking away the worry of not having enough on the table over the festive period. Well done to the organisers for their compassion and thoughtfulness. Christmas blessings to all.”
East Thanet MP Polly Billington also attended to show her support by donating to the Festive Food Pantry and reinforcing the importance of initiatives that directly support families when they need it most.
The success of the pantry was made possible through the kindness of many local companies and individuals who donated food, festive treats, and gifts.
These included ASDA, Tesco Manston, Tesco Express Hereson Road, Cross Roads Care Kent, SJC Construction, Thanet Earth, EKC Broadstairs, G4S Patient Transport, Boutique Care Home, and Friends and Families of Chartwell House.
The donations ensured families could select presents for their loved ones this Christmas, a small meaningful way to help restore joy during these challenging times.
Donations made on the day also contributed to a dedicated fund being created by Newington Primary School, aimed at continuing support for families living with food poverty beyond the festive season.
Residents at Chartwell House played an important role as they prepared bags of sweets for children attending the pantry, a kind gesture that brought festive cheer and reminded everyone that kindness comes in many forms.
The event would have not been possible without the dedication of the Chartwell House team; Diane, Holly, Jude, Lauren and Stuart who volunteered their time and energy, working alongside Anna Chaplaincy Judith Andrews from the Parish of St Laurence to ensure the pantry ran smoothly.
Jude Coveney, Admissions Manager at Chartwell House, said: “Initiatives like the Festive Food Pantry are important because they go far beyond providing food. They offer reassurance and a reminder to families that they are not alone. Being able to support the local community in a meaningful way is something we’re incredibility proud of at Chartwell House.”
