A Northern Ireland chef is gearing up for his biggest year yet cooking Christmas Day dinners for the lonely, homeless and those struggling this festive season.
Chris Dalzell from Bangor – aka the Tattooed Santa – began his free Christmas Day dinner appeal in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic when households were unable to mix.
When this meant that Chris and his family were left with a fully prepared Christmas dinner and no-one to eat it, he decided to put all the food to good use by offering it to those in need.
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This year Chris has been boosted by financial support from That Prize Guy while several local businesses have also come forward to help him reach as many people as possible this Christmas.
Dad-of-two Chris, 38, told Belfast Live: "I have done this for the past three years now. The first year I produced 16 Christmas dinners, the second year it was 32 and last year I managed 56.
"I'm just looking to reach as many people in need as possible, especially this year with the elderly not getting their winter fuel payments. It seems to grow year in year out and I will do my absolute best to accommodate everyone I can.
"This year is looking bigger than ever as I've been inundated already, particularly from older people, and currently have over 112 orders in but there's more to come as I'm now also helping a homeless charity in Belfast.
"I'm doing this for those in need only. People on their own, homeless, or simply a family who have to choose between presents for kids or Christmas Day dinner. I don't ask any questions just simply who it's for and an address.
"Even if you know of someone who could use the help please get in touch. They don't have to be for you personally and I would really like to help the homeless and elderly who might be on their own. If it's for a homeless person we can make arrangements to get it to them HOT on Christmas Day."
Chris added: "This is a two course dinner with turkey and all the trimmings including a bottle of Shloer and a Christmas card and cracker. These dinners are hand prepared by myself, a professional qualified chef, and will be delivered to your door. These are completely free and delivered to you.
"This year I'm also able to include selection boxes for kids and biscuits for adults thanks to some local businesses who have approached me to help. Also I'm able to buy the turkeys from a local butcher this year rather than the supermarkets, meaning a much better quality of meat.
"This is the first year I've accepted help rather than personally funding it all myself and it's a massive help. It's a lot of work at this time of year, especially the week before Christmas with trying to buy everything fresh, get it prepped, cooked and portioned. Last year the 56 dinners I produced cost me over £1,500.
"My book is still open and taking names for these dinners. They must be within the Ards Peninsula area so far down as Ballyhalbert but I've also had requests from Dundonald and Holywood too. Any special requirements just ask. Please contact myself and I'll do my absolute best to accommodate who I can."
Anyone can get in touch with Chris to order meals or help in any way. His details are [email protected] or 073 98815367.
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