Christmas hampers boost for Hereford families
Kind-hearted staff and members of a popular Hereford health club and spa are spreading Christmas joy by helping ensure that less fortunate families in the city enjoy a fabulous festive feast.
Holmer Park, a Mosaic Spa and Health Club in Cleeve Orchard, asked members for a second successive year to donate towards hampers which will be distributed to families around the city suggested by Herefordshire Council.
Recognising the importance of contributing to the overall wellbeing of the local community, Holmer Park staff enlisted the help of the local branch of Tesco on Bewell Street, Hereford who readily agreed to put the hampers together and deliver them.
The hampers contain everything families need to enjoy a Christmas lunch which otherwise they would struggle to afford.
Mark Reynolds, regional manager for Mosaic Spa and Health Clubs, the owners of Holmer Park, said: “We believe in supporting local charities whenever possible so we are pleased that during this festive season our members, ourselves and Tesco have been able to help some less fortunate families have a lovely Christmas lunch.
“It is one of the most important family meals of the year and should be a time of celebration, not worry.
“We hope the donation of hampers will allow some local families have a happier Christmas Day. We would like to thank our members for their generous donations and also Tesco for their support.”
Councillor Graham Powell, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Herefordshire Council, said it was a kind gesture from Holmer Park members to help put the hampers together.
He added: “Christmas can be a very lonely time of year for some families. We all want our children to enjoy the festive season, but trying to provide gifts, pay the bills and put food on the table can create difficulties for families already living on the poverty line.
“We would like to congratulate the members of Holmer Park Health Club on their fund raising activity and thank Tesco, their partners, for supplying hampers that will be distributed locally.
“We work with a number of families who struggle on a daily basis and I know that they will truly appreciate this kind gesture of help. Many thanks to all concerned.”
Pictured: Putting the Christmas hampers together are, from left, Lee Ayling, head chef at Holmer Park, Neale Willetts, club manager at Holmer Park, Steve Winfield, the store manager at Tesco on Bewell Street, Hereford, and Heather Weaver, the store’s community champion.