Festive food lifelines- ‘Christmas day is for everyone’

Mex Cantina opening their restaurant on Christmas day between 12pm and 2pm for the homeless in Wakefield.
Marco Alfano (head chef) and Anthony Wong (second chef) — Mex Cantina opening their restaurant on Christmas day between 12pm and 2pm for the homeless in Wakefield. Marco Alfano (head chef) and Anthony Wong (second chef)

Mex Cantina in the city Centre, Casey’s Fish and Chip Shop in Ossett and Avondale Fisheries in Thornes will serve free hot food to homeless and vulnerable people on December 25.

Matthew James, manager of Mex, in White Horse yard, said: “Christmas day is for everyone regardless of their circumstances.

“We will feed whoever comes along and we’re hoping for between 50-100 people to turn up so they too can celebrate Christmas.”

Casey's Fish & Chip shop in Ossett opening on Christmas day for homeless in Wakefield.
Sue and John Casey — Casey's Fish & Chip shop in Ossett opening on Christmas day for homeless in Wakefield. Sue and John Casey

John Haggerston and Sue Grayshon, who run Casey’s Fish and Chip Shop, on Bank Street, Ossett, first served up Christmas day food for needy people last year.

Mr Haggerston said: “We don’t want anyone to feel alone at this time of year so just call in for a bite to eat and some mulled wine.”

The chip shop is also raising money for homeless organisation the Community Awareness Programme and other charities this Christmas.

Avondale Fisheries posted on its Facebook page: “We will be serving fish, chips, tea, bread, butter and a mince pie Christmas Day for all our local homeless and elderly who cannot get a warm meal.

Date:25th November 2015. Picture James Hardisty.
Avondale Fisheries, Avondale Street, Wakefield, are opening on Christmas Day and giving away free Fish & Chips to the homeless. Pictured (left to right) Theresa Race, Dominika Noglik, and Anglea Blair. — Date:25th November 2015. Picture James Hardisty. Avondale Fisheries, Avondale Street, Wakefield, are opening on Christmas Day and giving away free Fish & Chips to the homeless. Pictured (left to right) Theresa Race, Dominika Noglik, and Anglea Blair.

“If you know of any elderly person or homeless person or shelter that could benefit, please get in touch.”

Owners Angela and James Blair will distribute meals via a voucher system run in with Wakefield Council.

They will also deliver meals to homeless people in Castleford.

Mex is also taking part in Streetsmart, a scheme backed by the Express which invites customers to add £1 to their bills to help the homeless.

The Cow Shed and Felice’s Bella Roma, both on Northgate, Smokehouse, on Wood Street, Create Cafe, on Burton Street, and Capri, on Bridge Street, Horbury, are also taking part in Streetsmart, organised by Wakefield Rent Deposit Scheme.

People are asked to pre-order Christmas food at Casey’s by calling 01924 274851. To contact Mex dial 01924 363666. Avondale Fisheries can be reached on 01924 371404.