Co Kildare couple helping to give 3,500 homeless people dinner this Christmas Day

This Christmas day a South Kildare couple will be helping with providing 3,500 meals to the homeless in Dublin.

Robertstown residents, Ronan and Meiread Ashe, will be part of the 92nd Christmas Day Dinner hosted by the Knights of St Columbanus.

The Christmas Day Dinner Committee and over 300 volunteers will distribute over 3,500 free meals this Christmas Day, through sit down meals in the RDS and take away meals delivered to shelters and to those in need. The demand on the service has increased dramatically over the last few years, from 1200 meals in 2011 to 3000 meals in 2015.

The service would not be possible without the commitment of the 300 volunteers who give up their Christmas Day and help feed those in need. Volunteers will help to provide free transport to and from the RDS as well as organise the preparation and distribution of meals and entertainment to those in need within the community.

Chairman for the Christmas Day Dinner, Adrian King said: "Normal services do not operate on Christmas Day and many poor and homeless people in our capital are left with no resources and no where to go. Guests are encouraged to attend the free dinner which is held annually in the RDS. Guests will be treated to a three course meal of soup, Christmas dinner, Christmas pudding and mild refreshments. Music and entertainment will add some special Christmas cheer to the day.  In addition, on leaving, guests are presented with a ‘Goodie Bag’ containing food, toiletries, soft drinks and household products for the following days."