Church Helps Spread Christmas Joy in the Cynon Valley
Since 2015 St Fagan’s Church, Aberdare have been reaching out to those who would be alone on Christmas Day to offer food, fun and friendship on Christmas Day. They're delighted to be back again for Christmas 2023 making sure that nobody has to spend Christmas alone.
People from across the Cynon Valley who would potentially be spending Christmas Day alone are invited to join the celebrations in in St John the Baptist CinW High School in Aberdare.
The event is free, but a £5 returnable deposit is needed to secure a place. On arrival guests will be greeted with refreshments and entertainment. A hot Christmas dinner will be served at around 1pm and afterwards we'll relax and watch the King's Christmas message.
They are appealing for drivers who would be able to transport people to and from the venue on the day, using their own vehicles. They also need general volunteers to carry out a variety of roles from wrapping presents and peeling vegetables to meeting and greeting on the day.
Last year an attendee said, “I loved chatting to everyone, hearing their stories and seeing their smiling faces.”
Someone else commented, “Thanks so much for the work you all do- so many people appreciate it, including me. God bless you all.”
Fr Richard Green, focal priest at St Fagans and Ministry Area Leader from Cynon Uchaf Ministry Area says, “Company at Christmas has been running in some form in Aberdare since 2015. The concept is a simple one: people who are otherwise on their own on Christmas Day are invited to join together for a day of food, fun and entertainment.
It's an event that brings people together and represents the true meaning of Christmas. The volunteers - many of whom are also on their own - have a real sense of satisfaction from providing a memorable day for others.
The guests enjoy a wonderful time sharing this special day with others. Many say it is the best Christmas Day they have ever had!”
If you would like to attend the event, or volunteer full details are available on St Fagan’s website.