Festive fish suppers – on the house! – in Badenoch and Strathspey
Christmas 2020 is proving the season for giving for so many and yes, with bells on!
Open Arms, the local charitable group who have established a respite garden at Dalraddy by Kincraig, have been attracting more and more support in recent weeks and have been able to organise some very much appreciated help and goodies for many in the area.
Michaela Street, who runs the organisation, told the Strathy that the spirit of giving had been wonderful.
"When we asked Carters to take their van to three nursing homes to give the seniors a special festive fish supper they did so only too happily – then told us there would be no bill!
"In another area Smiffys did exactly the same thing. They provided 31 meals that Jean Stewart and I delivered but would take no money for them.
"It's been lovely to see the level of support that we've been given in organising nutritious meals and treats for so many who were in need of a little extra help this year."
At Aviemore, Cairngorm Hotel provided hot meals at cost for Open Arms, who delivered them on Sunday last week around local villages.
"Everyone also received gifts, crackers and a Christmas card," said a delighted Michaela.
"So with funds we now have and our continued fundraising we will be subsidising chippy teas once a month around our villages, using Smiffys and Carters.
"The price will be £4 and we pay the rest and deliver them to local homes.
"People have already offered to pay for someone they know and offered £4 for us to buy for someone we may know who either can't afford the meal or aren't able to get out for themselves right now.
"We are also collecting unwanted gifts, toys and food for local redistribution."
Any senior citizens who are housebound or have little funds, or who know of anyone in that situation need only contact Open Arms via their Facebook page or by phoning 07983980478.
Fish and chip meals can be ordered that way, Michaela said.
