a common experience of hardship,
Monday, 2 August 2021
The Mayor of Peterborough, Councillor Stephen Lane and the Mayoress, Mrs Margaret Lane, were guests of honour at the grand opening of the city’s new soup kitchen on Saturday 31 July.
A total of 54 people including the dignitaries, volunteer helpers and users came along to the UCKG HelpCentre at 70 Westgate to celebrate this new resource for local people who are currently sharing a common experience of hardship.
The users, who ranged from students to parents and elderly people, were treated to a choice of healthy and hearty pasta, chicken and vegetable soup, Portuguese fish stew, sweet pastries and crisps. There were even canned/long-life goods to take home and enjoy later.
The Mayor and Mayoress were very happy to see that people could access the service easily, and commented on the warm, calm and welcoming atmosphere. They also commended the UCKG on the social aspects of the soup kitchen, which observes COVID safe measures.
The UCKG’s soup kitchen first opened its doors some six weeks ago, in June, with just five attendees and a handful of volunteer helpers, and now regularly sees well over 30 attendees between 11am and 1pm each Saturday. However it is not just the food that draws them, as some of the users testify.
John O’ Connor said: “Peterborough is very grateful for the support of the charity. There is always a variety of food to choose from and the staff are always so welcoming. Demetri added: “Last week I had a lovely soup, this week I have soup and much more. Thank you.”
Another user, Dan, summed up by saying: “This place has been so helpful, I know I can come and get good food, meet with friends and that’s great. These guys are so great. They even gave me a bike, I cannot thank them enough.”
The UCKG HelpCentre’s Peterborough soup kitchen currently receives supplies from Morrisons, Greggs, Lidl, Marks & Spencer and Pak Foods.
ENDS
Notes to editors
UCKG is a Christian church and registered charity that offers a range of practical support activities alongside spiritual support and comfort and welcomes all- comers. It reached the UK in 1995 and has gone from strength to strength, providing support and spreading the Christian faith. There are UCKG HelpCentre branches in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
For further information please contact the UCKG HelpCentre Press Officer via e-mail on press@uckg.org or direct line 020 7686 6033.
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