In a heartwarming display of community spirit, The Salvation Army is delivering 300 freshly prepared Christmas meals to people across Cardiff and the surrounding areas this festive season.
Doubling Support in a Time of Need
This year marks the third consecutive Christmas that the city centre's The Parkgate Hotel has backed The Salvation Army's annual meal drive. Demonstrating the growing need, the hotel has doubled its contribution, preparing 300 plated meals this year compared to 150 when the partnership began.
Major Valerie Short, from The Salvation Army church in Ely, Cardiff, is coordinating the deliveries. She highlighted the acute pressures many face: "More people than ever are struggling not because of anything they have done, but because life has become increasingly expensive," she said. "Housing insecurity, unexpected bills and the pressure to provide gifts or lavish meals at this time of year can feel impossible to carry."
A Full Festive Feast with Inclusive Options
The hotel's chefs have cooked and pre-plated a full traditional Christmas dinner for recipients. Each meal includes turkey, three vegetables, stuffing, and gravy. Critically, the team has also prepared gluten-free, vegan, and pork-free options to ensure everyone in need can enjoy a suitable festive meal.
"A simple Christmas meal, something many take for granted, is a powerful reminder that people care," Major Short added. "It says, 'You matter, you are seen, you are not alone'. At The Salvation Army, this kind of love is at the heart of everything we do. It's not just what we believe - it's belief in action."
Hospitality Extending Beyond Hotel Walls
Beyond the meals, staff at The Parkgate Hotel organised a separate Christmas toy collection to support local families. Damien Martin, the hotel's General Manager, explained their motivation: "At The Parkgate Hotel, we believe that hospitality goes beyond our walls. Supporting The Salvation Army is something we are incredibly proud of, especially at Christmas when community matters most."
"By supplying 300 plated Christmas meals and running a toy drive, our team wanted to help bring comfort, dignity, and a little joy to those who need it most," Martin continued. "It's a privilege to work alongside The Salvation Army and play a small part in supporting the vital work they do for our community."
Major Short expressed profound gratitude for the collaborative effort. "We are deeply grateful to our corporate partners, The Parkgate Hotel, and the incredible volunteer drivers who navigate Christmas traffic to bring these meals to people," she said. "We are humbled by the support we receive, and we pray it continues for as long as there are people in need."
