Homelessness charity thanks Coventry pupils for winter gesture after creating hot meals

Children at a Coventry primary school have helped to provide hot meals for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness this winter.

Pupils at St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School, part of the Romero Catholic Academy, have teamed up with Emmaus Coventry & Warwickshire to provide lunch for 13 people at risk of homelessness during the colder months.

Children from all year groups helped to create hot dishes including homemade vegetable soup and sausage rolls, as well as chocolate crispy cakes, before Romero Catholic Academy’s catering team delivered the food to the charity’s community office on Brinklow Road ready for lunch time.

The initiative was developed by staff at St Gregory’s to support the local community as part of a school-wide Day of Service, with all ingredients donated by parents, family and staff.

Emmaus Coventry & Warwickshire enables people who have experienced or been at risk of homelessness to receive support and be part of a community, with accommodation for 17 people.

Head of Catering at the Romero Catholic Academy Marcus Chilvers was joined by Catering Support Manager Jane Andreassen and other members of the catering team to help students create the dishes.

Marcus said: “It’s vital at this time of year to bear in mind those who may not get to enjoy the plenty and excess that we associate with the festive season, and it was brilliant to see pupils taking that on board and putting the effort in to supporting local people.

“They have each contributed something positive to the community and, for one meal at least, helped to address what is a great concern for many across the nation.”

Megan Scullion, Associate Principal at St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School, said: “We felt it was extremely important at this time of year to dedicate our Day of Service to having a positive impact on those experiencing or at risk of homelessness this winter.

“Our pupils rose to the challenge, and it was great to see their enthusiasm in making a difference to people in the local area, and supporting an important cause.”

Falishia Channer, Operations Manager at Emmaus Coventry & Warwickshire, said: “We’re extremely grateful to the staff and pupils at St Gregory’s. Thanks to their kindness and hard work, the people we support enjoyed a very special and delicious lunch – there was certainly no food left afterwards! It was greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten.”

For more information about Emmaus Coventry & Warwickshire visit emmaus.org.uk/coventry-warwickshire