Mayor and Mayoress visit Army of Kindness hot food kitchen

The Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale with volunteers from Army of Kindness

The Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale recently visited the Army of Kindness hot food kitchen, to see how its volunteers are helping local vulnerable people.

Mayor and Mayoress Mike and Margaret Holly were impressed to see how much of an impact the group – which operates from St Andrew’s Methodist and Reform Church – is having by providing scores of people with a hot meal every Thursday.

Around 100 people benefit from this service every week, including over 25 vulnerable families who use the service for the hot meals and food parcels that the Army of Kindness provide.

Volunteers also help users with referrals to social workers and other organisations which may be able to offer any assistance.

Of their visit on 23 November, the Mayor said: “The Mayoress and I were amazed at the number of volunteers, especially young people, helping people far less fortunate than themselves.

“They provide them with hot food to either eat at the church or take home; food that had been provided by the local community and businesses.

“A team effort and truly an Army of Kindness.”

Army of Kindness extends its gratitude to the Coalition of Kindness, which provides the soup kitchen with food parcels each week.

Senior volunteer John added: “I would humbly like to thank my friends at Coalition of Kindness who generously provide the food parcels for the Army of Kindness.

“Even one bag of food is having a positive impact on the most vulnerable in society and every item is gratefully received.”

The service runs every Thursday from 5pm-6.30pm at St Andrew’s Methodist and Reform Church on Entwisle Road, and will be open as normal throughout the festive period.

Army of Kindness will also be open on Christmas Day from 12pm-4pm. It operates on a walk-in basis for anyone who may require their services, however, to attend on Christmas Day please book your place your place by calling Sheraz on 07940 470705 or emailing sheraz@armyofkindness.co.uk.

Alternatively, if you are interested in sponsoring the soup kitchen, donating food to the service, or volunteering your time, please also contact Sheraz: 07940 470705.