A KIND-HEARTED Bromsgrove chip shop owner will be providing free meals to people in need on Christmas Day.
Ifty Ahmed, owner of Charford Fish Bar, said he had been in the area a long time and, because of the way the community had always welcomed and helped him, he wanted to give something back.
He told the Standard: “I saw a lot of people struggling during Covid and realised a lot of people don’t have anyone supporting them.
“The project is about the community coming together to support people who need help.” Since the project started, countless meals have been delivered across the Bromsgrove district.
Ifty has a band of volunteers who chip in to help out with sorting orders, arranging deliveries and even providing extra treats for those receiving free meals.
This year, a local Co-op has donated chocolates to accompany meals and a community group has enlisted children to create Christmas cards for meal recipients.
Louise Hall and her family will be among the volunteers again this year. Louise will be helping to deliver the meals to wherever people are in the area.
She said: “So far, we’ve had about nine volunteers helping out. Charford has a great community spirit.
“It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are – if you want a meal on Christmas day, you can have one. We want to support all types of people in Bromsgrove.”
In previous years, Louise’s mum has supplied mince pies and mulled wine in the chip shop for those visiting on the day.
Ifty added: “Every year the support from volunteers is brilliant. I’d like to thank all of them for their help.”
People who want meals can pre-book them by calling 07563 789176. Meals will be delivered between 12 noon and 2pm.
Meals include kebab meat and chips or sausage and chips. Louise said those who eat halal or are vegetarian can be accommodated.
