Stoke Newington café to host Christmas Day lunch for oldsters

Haber Merry Christmas: Thomas Leon (L) and Massimo Bergamin (R) gear up for a yuletide feast at The Haberdashery. Photograph: Hackney Citizen

Elderly residents who would otherwise spend their Christmas alone are invited to a festive feast at The Haberdashery in Stoke Newington.

On Christmas Day guests can tuck in to turkey with all the trimmings for lunch and enjoy games and entertainment in the afternoon.

“The idea of someone being lonely at Christmas is horrible,” said Massimo Bergamin, one of the owners, who is organising the lunch.

“But being lonely and elderly is even worse.”

After lunch guests can listen to singers and dance to live music. They can compete for the prize in bingo and there will be present for everyone from Secret Santa.

“The best thing would be if the guests got to know each other so they keep in touch. That’s what’s Christmas is supposed to be about: not buying and selling, but time to spend with other people.”

The day will be a family effort, with Bergamin’s father, 70, and mother, 67, travelling over from Italy to help. “My mother will help run the kitchen and peel the potatoes and my father will sit in the back and chat.”

Million ways to help

Bergamin is calling on Hackney residents to donate whatever they can towards the festivities.

“There are a million ways to help,” he says. The team needs people to play music, sing, donate food or drink, pitch in on the day, or raise money in advance.

Already locals have offered to donate presents for the Secret Santa or to volunteer. “People are very supportive and happy to help because it’s such a great cause,” says Bergamin.

He expects local businesses will donate the food and entertainment – but hopes residents will still give generously to cover the costs of transporting up to 25 guests to and from the cafe on Christmas Day – an expensive time to book taxis.

“Any amount of money is most welcome. It’s easier if people give money, so that we can allocate it where it is most needed.”

“The best donation we’ve had so far is £50 sent all the way from Australia.”

Bergamin will donate any funds left over from the day to local charities working with the elderly.

To volunteer or donate, contact The Haberdashery on Facebook or via email: info@the-haberdashery.com