Marden Community Hub is hoping a little festive generosity will help keep its community kitchen going, as rising costs make it increasingly difficult to provide hot meals five days a week.
The volunteer-run Hub, at 27 High Street in Calne, is launching a grand Christmas raffle, with residents and local businesses being invited to get behind the fundraiser.
Tickets will be available from Tuesday 20th October, priced at £1 each or £5 for a book, with the draw taking place at approximately 7.30pm on Friday 18th December during the Hub’s Christmas bingo evening.
And there's a tempting first prize for anyone who fancies getting ahead with their Christmas dinner.
Farm to Family Butchers Ltd has donated a Christmas meat hamper containing a turkey, two or three other joints, pigs in blankets and other festive favourites. The Hub estimates the contents would cost more than £150 if purchased separately.
The business operates mobile butcher’s vans in Lyneham and Chippenham and is also preparing to open a shop in Melksham.
Other prizes include a £20 voucher from Antica Roma in Calne, a £10 voucher from Serenity Ceramics, and a selection of artwork by local artist Nellie Hearn.
The artwork includes a Highland cow tote bag, a tea towel and a limited-edition print. Bottles and gift boxes have also been donated, with the Hub hoping to build the prize list to around 40 prizes.
The organisers are now appealing for more local businesses to get involved, either by donating a prize or helping sell raffle tickets.
With the cost of providing hot meals five days a week becoming harder to meet, the fundraiser offers residents a straightforward way to support a local community resource while having a chance to win something for Christmas.
Tickets will be available from Marden Community Hub, 27 High Street, Calne, from Tuesday 20th October.
The draw will take place on Friday 18th December at the Hub’s Christmas bingo evening.
