As Christmas 2026 approaches, Community Fundraisers is preparing for its 11th year of providing a free Christmas Day meal for people in the Chichester community.
What began as a simple idea between two colleagues, Julie Sandalls and Sue Applin, has grown into a much-loved annual event that brings people together and supports those who might otherwise spend Christmas alone.
Community Fundraisers is a community-based, not-for-profit volunteer group. Our story began when a group of colleagues, who had worked together for a small independent charity in Chichester, decided they wanted to give something back to the community.
Eleven years ago, Sue and Julie came up with the idea of organising a free Christmas Day meal at the Newell Centre in Chichester. Their aim was simple: to make sure that people who were lonely, isolated, struggling financially or experiencing homelessness had somewhere to go on Christmas Day.
Since then, the event has grown considerably, and we now provide more than 100 Christmas meals, offering not just food but also companionship, friendship and a warm welcome to everyone who attends.
Every year, volunteers give up their own Christmas time to help prepare, cook and serve the meal, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner in a friendly and welcoming environment.
Preperations are underway for the 11th year, continuing what has become a local tradition. However, organising an event of this size takes a huge amount of time, commitment and generosity.
The group want to thank all the volunteers, past and present, as well as the local businesses that have supported them over the years. In particular, they'd like to recognise Kate Red Lips, Chichester Waitrose, Starline Taxis and La Fish for their generosity and support in helping make our previous Christmas meal a success.
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