Wigan takeaway to open its doors on Christmas Day

Chicken & Bits in Hindley are opening their doors from 11am-1pm and will help feed up to 200 people

Author: Olivia DaviesPublished 24th Dec 2024

Hundreds of people who're sleeping rough, or spending Christmas Day alone in Wigan, are being invited to have their Christmas Dinner at a local takeaway.

Chicken & Bits in Hindley are opening their doors tomorrow - feeding up to 200 vulnerable people.

They'll be offering free meals to the local community between 11am-1pm, at 42 Market Street.

So far, they've also raised £600 for the anti-poverty charity, The Brick.

Jamie Greenall is the owner and said: “We're looking to prepare just over 200 meals on the day.

“The Brick, who I’ve partnered with, they’ve got 2 HMOs in Hindley, so they’ve informed them to come here for the Christmas Day dinner.

“We're going to feed them and any leftover meals we’re going to take directly to 'The Brick’ and they'll distribute them on.

Jamie said it was important they helped people who could be struggling: “It's quite eye opening the challenges some people go through... people living next door to you and you just don't know what's happening behind closed doors.

“The money we're raising could go a long way. That's why we appreciate everyone. When I put it out there, two of our meat suppliers both offered to donate meat on the day. They’re going to be providing the meat for free.

Jamie's whole family are getting involved on Christmas Day: “I think it’s going to be different for us. It’s going to be hard pulling our daughter away from her presents in the morning, but it’s going to feel good, giving back.

Jamie said the invite is open to everyone: “It’s not just homeless people; it’s genuinely just people on their own. If you’re going to be sitting on your own on Christmas Day, come to us, the food is free. Get involved. Nobody should be sat alone on Christmas.”

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