Wasp rugby players cook Christmas dinner for our Gateway residents
Yesterday two rugby players from Coventry Wasps made our residents’ day at the Gateway by serving them Christmas dinner.
Gateway is our primary facility for homeless people in Coventry and houses people from all backgrounds.
Wasp players Tommy Taylor and Matteo Minozzi brought the festive spirit to the Gateway by helping volunteers put on a traditional turkey roast lunch for over 60 residents at the Gateway.
The Salvation Army, which provide the Gateway’s support service, sourced the food and volunteers to make the special day happen.
The Wasps are also donating 200 tickets to Gateway residents and friends to their Christmas Cracker event this Saturday (December 21st) as the Club take on Harlequins at Ricoh Arena.
The Club’s supporters have also been donating items for 30 shoe boxes full of goodies for residents. This includes food, clothing and toys which will be given to residents on Christmas day.
Our Housing Support Manager, Gail Cooper, says: “What a treat for our residents at the Gateway!
“It’s been such a fantastic day seeing our residents having fun mingling with the Wasp players.
“I can’t thank the players enough for giving up their time to put a smile on their faces.
“The donations from the Wasps supporters are fantastic too.”
It’s these little gestures that really make Christmas special for our residents
Michaela Campbell, Programme Coordinator at The Salvation Army, says: “Christmas is one of the most difficult times of the year for disadvantaged communities.
“I can’t thank the Wasp players, their generous supporters and all our volunteers enough for making our Christmas lunch happen and for really making the Gateway residents feel special this Christmas”.
Wasp rugby player, Tommy Taylor, says: “What a fantastic day!
“The Club’s supporters have been extremely generous in donating food, clothes and toys at previous matches. Going out into the community to meet the people who will be receiving the items first hand has been so rewarding.
“I really hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as I did. Merry Christmas everyone!”
Karl Meah, one of our residents at the Gateway, adds: “I can’t believe our luck at the Gateway today!
“It’s been great having Christmas dinner with Tommy and Matteo. I can’t wait to receive my shoe box full of goodies from Wasp supporters on Christmas day.
“I can’t thank everyone enough for being so generous. I hope our Christmas day is as good as this!”
For media enquiries contact our Communications Team.
