Local Community
WANDSWORTH/BATTERSEA COMMUNITY PROJECTS
ROTARY CHRISTMAS DAY
Each year the Rotary Club of Battersea Park provides a Lunch and party for elderly people (over 65) from the local areas, with a much-needed rest bite on Christmas Day, when many guests would otherwise be alone.
An army of volunteers cook and serve a traditional Christmas lunch in a congenial and fun atmosphere, with a professional entertainer. The day also includes a bingo session, carol singing and dancing with prizes. Each guest is picked from their home and given a goody bag as a gift to take home. All this happens with support from Rotarians in Wandsworth and the South West London Clubs.
Over 60 years ago, when the project started in a small church hall in Battersea with around 50 guests there was a real social need to support the poor and often destitute people of the area. Over the years this project has grown into a party for approximately 400, and even today we see many poor elderly people destined to spend the Christmas period alone, without a hot meal, and often living in homes they are unwilling or unable to heat fully.
Each year the feedback we get from our guests (and the local media) ensures us that - through this project - we are able impart goodwill in our community, and enhance the wellbeing and health of our guests. Many look forward to this day year after year.
The venue is a large marquee in Battersea Park donated by Smart Group (they use the venue for corporate events during December and allow us to use, free of charge, for four days over the Christmas period). Local Rotarians and others are part of the Rotary Christmas Day committee and meet throughout the year to plan the event and fund raise.
The Worshipful Mayor of Wandsworth and the Rotary London District Governor are regular visitors and always happy to support this special occasion.
The purpose of this Christmas Day event has always been to provide support for elderly citizens at a time of year when they are left alone in their homes or sheltered housing. Some care homes to not have a Christmas Day lunch/social event. Guests look forward to a happy, cheerful day amongst friends.
For more information about volunteering and donating, or if you know of an elderly guest who would like to attend on Christmas Day please go to:
DONATIONS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME
