Wick's PPP celebrates year of community meals with a big thanks
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Before closing up for the festive season, Pulteneytown People's Project (PPP) in Wick had a special 'community meal' as a thank you to all the staff, volunteers and members of the public who have benefited from the centre.
PPP development office Jennifer Harvey presided over the last community meal of the year on Tuesday, December 19 and many of the staff and volunteers came along with family members to enjoy the event.
"The community meals are on Tuesday and Thursday nights and this is the last one of the year," said Jennifer.
"A lot of the people here have been at other clubs in the centre and have come up for their meal now. There are lots of volunteers here who might not normally be in but they've come in as I'm going to give them a wee thank you for their help throughout the year."
She outlined the importance of the centre for people who might otherwise struggle to feel part of the community and how many who visit are able to spend much of their day there. "They come in on the morning and fill all their little groups and have a cup of coffee and a chat. They might go away and come back at lunchtime for some soup and then come back at night for their community meal."
There were carols being sung and snacks which included mincemeat pies and decorated pretzels. "We're thanking all who have come throughout the year as they've made it what it's become. It's all going to be a bit of fun for everyone."
The atmosphere was warm and inviting and many who visited also took the opportunity to enjoy the items for sale from a new Wick business called Something Different which had a pop-up shop on the day.
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The volunteers, staff and all the customers were invited to take their children along who could enjoy the bouncy castle in the main hall. "We've got special treats for the kids and they can play through there in safety while the families are having a meal in the café.
The centre closed on Friday, December 22 and is due to reopen on Monday, January 8. Before closing, the public were invited to come in and take any of the food that was available in the PPP's share shop on the Friday before Christmas.
"We'll have lots of food in over the next few days and it will be open to anybody to come in and take to use over the festive period. We're going to have some warm clothing as well for the kiddies and adults too," added Jennifer on the day of the event.
More information on PPP and the various services it provides can be found at: pppwick.org.uk/
There is also a Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/pppwick
Pulteneytown People’s Project was set up as a community-led charity and social enterprise in 2003. It is run as a business but all profits go back into the community and the facility. The centre's key aims are to "provide services and amenities that will improve the area".
