7th November 2008

Fancy a busman's holiday? Trained chefs and kitchen assistants required for festive period

For most, the festive period is a time spent with family and friends. However this can be an especially difficult time for homeless or vulnerably housed people. That is why this Christmas in London, homelessness charity Crisis will be opening nine centres to take in 2000 homeless guests to offer them food, warmth, companionship and a host of other services.

This is a huge undertaking, and without the generous support of 6500 volunteers it could never happen. Crisis is looking for trained chefs and kitchen assistants to help run the Catering Service. Some prior cooking and knife experience is desirable but training will be given, so friends or family who would like to join in can get involved.

Norman Johns first volunteered in the kitchens at Crisis Christmas over 10 years ago. Norman says: “What inspired me was the chef and all the other volunteers in the kitchen, the great meals that were provided and the difference we made for our guests by serving good food and lots of it.

“Over the years I learnt how to build and manage a kitchen team and I was chuffed to be chosen as chef at one of the centres. For me it’s all about meeting old friends, guests and volunteers and being able to produce great meals for everyone. Working with the caring and compassionate folks who run the services and the accommodation is Christmas for me.”

To find out more about volunteering at Crisis Christmas, call: 020 7426 3874, email: volunteering@crisis.org.uk or apply online: www.crisis.org.uk/volunteering