Big Hearts and the Space and Broomhouse Hub have announced a festive partnership
Two charities have joined forces to ensure families are fed this Christmas.
Over 300 disadvantaged people will get to enjoy a free festive meal at home on Christmas Day, thanks to the joint efforts from Big Hearts Community Trust and the Space and Broomhouse Hub.
Breaking with their tradition of opening Tynecastle Stadium on Christmas Day to anyone in need of tasty food and festive cheer, Big Hearts – the charity of Heart of Midlothian FC, will go on the road to deliver safely pre-cooked meals across Scotland’s capital.
Rising to the challenges brought by Covid-19, the Big Hearts’ charity is teaming up with the well-established Space and Broomhouse Hub, which will see their Space Kitchen cater 300 individuals Christmas dinners for vulnerable households.
Both organisations operate in the Gorgie/Sighthill ward of Edinburgh, which holds the highest rate of child poverty across the city (35% vs 22%).
Kirsty Roebuck, project officer at Big Hearts, said: “When we had to think of a partner who could help us cook and deliver Christmas meals this year, Space was at the top of our list. It’s one of Big Hearts’ most ambitious projects to date so it was only right we brought in a well-established partner. On hearing our plans Space immediately replied ‘let’s make this work’, so we knew from day one we had a partner we could rely on."
Lyn Glenn, kitchen manager at Space, said: “The Space Kitchen is open five days a week and we’ve been producing thousands of meals during lockdown. Our staff look forward to working with Big Hearts and preparing tasty Christmas dinners that will be gratefully appreciated by local folk from the comfort of their own homes.”
Morag Taylor, who is on the delivery list, said: “Me and my son Shaun spent Christmas day at the Hearts’ Stadium for the past two years. We were looking forward to coming back, but we understand it’s best to stay safe at home. Big Hearts are amazing and helped us so much this year during Covid-19. We would have been really struggling otherwise.”
Big Hearts and the Space and Broomhouse Hub have a long history of working hand in hand, with their joint youth befriending service supporting over 40 young people every year, with the help from volunteer Hearts fans.
Early in 2020 both charities were recognised by the Scottish Government as Community Anchor Organisations to coordinate the Covid-19 recovery in their respective communities.
Craig Wilson, general manager at Big Hearts said: “Like most charities, Big Hearts had to adapt to Covid-19 so we can still be there for those who need our help. Christmas is no exception and thanks to the expertise from Space we are in the position to increase the number of people supported this year, particularly those facing loneliness and poverty.”
