Over 2,500 hot meals for vulnerable in ‘slick’ Carrickfergus operation

David Hilditch MLA (left) taking part in the community proiject.

Thanking all those who made the delivery of 2,500 meals possible in recent weeks, East Antrim MLA David Hilditch, who has helped spearhead the effort, said in the course of the operation they have learnt who needs particular attention during the crisis.

The focal point over the seven-week period has been the Castello Italia restaurant run by Artur Cufaj.

Mr Hilditch said: “The total number of meals supplied through our partnership approach with a number of local restaurants over the last few weeks is over 2,500 which is an incredible achievement

“A massive thank you to Artur and his team for their continued support as well as all our community groups and volunteer drivers for their help and assistance in distributing the meals, we couldn’t do it without you.

“What started off as a goodwill gesture from Artur and his team has developed into a real community project in the town with more and more community groups and organisations coming on board every week.”

Involving, on a rota basis, up to a half dozen groups and a similar number of drivers each week, the DUP representative suggested the service may become a template for future community support.

“It was quite a slick operation - very happy with how it went.

“You make a delivery to someone who may not have seen a person for six or seven days, so there’s interaction with others for them, there’s social interaction. It’s a nice surprise.

“It gave an opportunity to identify people you can keep an eye on.”

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