A CHRISTMAS DAY feast to help tackle isolation in Deeside proved to be a 'humbling experience' for the organisers.

Thanks to a community effort led by a 'legion of helpers' residents were able to pop along to Caffinaafi, based at the Connah's Quay Health Centre, for a chat, a drink and even some mince pies on the day.

Mince pies, Christmas cake, sandwiches, and other buffet type snacks were available to guests thanks to donations from the likes of Asda and Morrisons.

Organiser Eddie Duggan said the event was a 'humbling experience' for him and the other volunteers involved.

He said: "The day was a success as it provided a safe environment for anyone who needed to come and be with others on Christmas Day. We had a steady flow of people throughout the time we were open. This ranged from individuals who were lonely, to others who were homeless."

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Eddie added: "We also had a steady influx of people who just wanted to share the experience.

"I cannot express my gratitude enough to those who came in to give their free time on Christmas Day in order to give a helping hand. This included volunteers of the Caffinaafi who are in the main all ex-military personnel, also others from the local community.

"Additionally, the event would never have taken place without first and foremost Caffinaafi providing the space for the event. Also, I am completely overwhelmed by the generosity of the local community, both private individuals and business, who donated mince pies, we had over 400, and biscuits, cakes, sandwiches, tea, coffee, sugar and sweets. 

"We were even given presents to hand out. I am stunned at the generosity, indeed, it was quite a humbling experience."

The Leader: PIC: Guests enjoy the Christmas Day do at Caffinaafi.

Any items left over from the dinner were donated to local foodbanks and other charities.

Eddie now hopes that the dinners can become a more regular event for Deeside.

He said: "I was approached by a local resident who reminded me that it's not just Christmas Day people experience loneliness, and whilst it was a worthy project opening the cafe up on Christmas Day, the question was posed to me, could this be a regular event throughout the year? 

"All I can say at this juncture is that I will endeavour to explore this. What I can say is that I will be contacting other cafes throughout Flintshire to see if there is a way that a network can be formed where this type of service can be provided to the public at large, including Christmas Day. Thank you Deeside, you are all wonderful!"