Making a Difference (Especially at Christmas)

In the Pocklington community we are very lucky indeed to live in a nice town surrounded by nice, pretty villages. But we do have people within our community that need a little lift, a little care to help them along their path at Christmas, or at any other time.

We look after each other, and are lucky to have people, organisations, clubs and businesses who genuinely care about others. A great example is the recent work done in providing meals for members of our community who needed that small lift, and the care from others to make them happy, smile and give them something to look forward to for the past months, and now give them a happy memory that people care about them, despite all of the awful things going on in the world.

On the weekend before Christmas, Pocklington Rugby in the Community provided meals for dozens of people in our community, with the help of Pocklington Rugby Club's kitchen and venue to produce a wonderful Christmas meal. Firstly in the clubhouse for the Friday Christmas social, then on the Sunday when the whole operation was repeated, but with the meals sent out ‘meals on wheels’ style to those unable to get out.

Everything was set up by volunteers; who coordinated the operation from collecting produce donated by some of our local businesses and farmers, to preparing the food for everyone, setting tables, assisting in the cooking and serving of the food, and of course the washing up! The volunteers transported the people, if necessary, to the club and returned them afterwards, having fed them with a superb Christmas lunch and entertained them with the lovely children of the local school singing carols to accompany an afternoon which really sums up Christmas. The Sunday saw meals delivered hot into peoples houses for them to enjoy.

The whole army of volunteers gave their time and skills in carrying out a most professional operation give people in our community a whole load of Christmas cheer. The businesses who donated the produce did so out of the true sense of Christmas, giving people in our community a whole load of Christmas cheer. They were not expecting anything in return, just a wonderful warm feeling that their business made a difference to someone at this time of year. The volunteers, especially those delivering the food, saw the joy of giving, witnessed what a huge difference it made to the recipients and were truly humbled at the response. It matters not who you are, or what background you are from, we can all give something in some form. This could be an hour in helping peel potatoes for the Christmas meal, driving the minibus, spending time helping a person with special educational needs in a sports session, or just being plain old nice to people, those actions have the ability to change someone’s life, and they do. That is special, and at Christmas even more so.

Many thanks to the companies, volunteers and clubs who work in our wonderful community, and give to others. Your actions make such a difference and you are hugely appreciated by everyone.

Regards,

Chris French

PRITC Trustee.