Christmas Day Dinner 2024

# The Knights of Saint Columbanus: Celebrating 100 Years of Christmas Day Dinners

## A Tradition of Charity and Community Support

The Knights of Saint Columbanus are pleased to announce that the annual Christmas Day Dinner will take place again this year on 25th December at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS), Anglesea Road. This year marks a significant milestone: the 100th Christmas Day Dinner held. Since 1924, this event has supported many homeless, lonely, and poor individuals from all over the world living in Ireland. We hope to reach and serve many more guests this year, ensuring that everyone spends Christmas Day together.

We urge you to spread the word so we can serve and support all those in need. The annual Christmas Day Dinner relies heavily on our partners, many volunteers, and contributions of services and donations.

Adapting to New Challenges

Since Christmas 2020, life has changed for everyone, especially for those without shelter or in compromised accommodation. The Order of Knights of St Columbanus responded to the challenges posed by COVID-19 restrictions with a significant effort to provide our annual Christmas Day dinners to those in need.

With the help of over 60 volunteers across two locations—Mansion House and RDS—we managed to provide approximately 200 hot Christmas dinners to homeless guests on Dawson Street. Additionally, we distributed around 3,300 Christmas dinners to poor and needy homes across greater Dublin.

A Community Effort

At the Mansion House forecourt, with the kind permission and assistance of Lord Mayor Hazel Chu, we hosted hot dinners from a mobile kitchen for walk-up guests. They were able to enjoy their Christmas meal in the company of our volunteers, members of the Garda Band, and members of the Order. From our base at the RDS, and with the help of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Simon, Alone, Age Action, and other volunteer drivers, we delivered 3,300 takeaway meals and food gift bags to those in need in their homes and accommodations around the greater Dublin area.

This year marks the 100th consecutive year that the Order of Knights of St. Columbanus has hosted Christmas Day dinners for the poor and homeless of Dublin. A dedicated organizing committee of volunteer members recognized the seasonal challenges faced by organizations working with the homeless and poor. They responded by organizing this annual event. With the support of Lord Mayor Hazel Chu and the Royal Dublin Society (RDS), along with financial support from private donors and charitable contributions, we were able to continue this annual charitable effort, albeit in an alternative format due to the serious restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Planning and Preparation

As a result of the pandemic restrictions, our Committee recognized early in the year that our usual seated Christmas Day dinner held at the RDS for up to 400 guests would not be possible or safe for guests or volunteers. The Committee also realized that the need to support the homeless and rough sleepers around our city remained. Therefore, we resolved to do what we could within the constraints of Government restrictions and HSE guidelines.

Following consultations with Bro. Kevin Crowley at the Capuchin Day Centre, the Lord Mayor’s office, the HSE, An Garda Siochana, and our volunteer base, we decided on a two-pronged approach. With the permission of the Lord Mayor, we arranged to reach city centre homeless and rough sleepers by hosting a hot Christmas dinner service from a mobile kitchen unit located on the forecourt of the Mansion House Dawson Street. At the same time, we assembled and distributed pre-packed prepared Christmas dinners with accompanying food gift bags from our usual base at the RDS Anglesea Road.

We wish to thank the Lord Mayor Hazel Chu and the RDS President Prof. J. Owen Lewis, along with Deputy CEO Mr. David Faherty, for their valuable support in providing these facilities. Special thanks also go to Mr. Paddy McPoland, a professional production and events manager, for volunteering his expert oversight and assistance. We also wish to thank Sergeant Neill Crowley (Pearse St. Garda Station) and Dr. Margaret Fitzgerald (HSE) for their expert advice and support.

A Day of Joy and Celebration

We were delighted to have the volunteer assistance of Lord Mayor Hazel Chu and Deputy Lord Mayor Mary Callaghan at the Mansion House on Christmas Day, along with members of the Garda Band, who significantly enhanced the warm and festive atmosphere. A most welcome visit from the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr. Diarmuid Martin, who is a longtime supporter of the Christmas Day Dinner, lifted the spirits of all present.

Planning for the 100th Christmas Day dinners began in early September. The Committee met regularly in September, October, and November (online), with final preparations made during December. Each Committee member managed specific aspects of the annual event, coordinated by the Chairman and Secretary.

Key Preparation Tasks

Among the principal preparation management tasks undertaken were:

1. Ensuring Awareness of the Dinner Service: Posters were displayed in all shelters and appropriate locations. Cards were distributed to the poor and homeless through soup kitchens, charity shops, and by social workers. A media press release was issued, radio interviews were broadcast, and newspapers were used to advertise the service and ensure those in need were aware of an open welcome.

   
   

2. Focused Advertising of the Online Ordering System: Information on the dedicated website and email address was provided to all charitable groups, Health Service Executive, case managers, and homeless charities to ensure those in need were reached and dinners would be ready and available.

   
   

3. Sourcing Appropriate Food and Hygiene Products: Over 7,000 individual items were sourced, packed, and provided for distribution to the poor, needy, and homeless. The committee is grateful to Leydens Wholesalers, Coca-Cola Ireland, and Decathlon for their help in procurement.

   
   

4. Registration and Online Induction of Volunteers: Registration of volunteers was conducted through the dedicated website; www.christmasdaydinner.com. Training in general health and safety awareness was provided, along with specific COVID-19 measures delivered to all volunteers. Our volunteers were also required to complete a COVID-19 clearance declaration before attendance. Under the expert supervision of Paddy McPoland, the environs of the Mansion House were set out and monitored for the safe movement of traffic, personnel, volunteers, and guests.

   
   
   
   

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As we approach this momentous occasion, I invite everyone to reflect on the spirit of giving and community. The Knights of Saint Columbanus are committed to strengthening the Catholic faith and its teachings among our members and the broader community. We actively serve God and the Church through charitable works and promote Christian values in society.

Let us come together to ensure that no one is left behind this Christmas. Join us in this noble cause, and let us continue to spread love, hope, and joy to those who need it most. Together, we can make a difference.