Sheffield's 'Mrs Christmas' hosts 13th annual festive dinner for the lonely and vulnerable

The festive period can be a lonely time for some so to help bring some yuletide cheer Sheffield’s ‘Mrs Christmas’ has partnered with Meadowhall to once again host an annual Christmas dinner for those who may otherwise be alone.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

For the last 12 years, Gloria Stewart from Ecclesfield has hosted the Home Alone At Christmas event to provide a Christmas lunch to some of the loneliest people in Sheffield.

The number of people attending has grown each year, with around 300 people enjoying the most recent feast at Niagara Sports and Social Club, in Hillsborough, on Wednesday, December 18.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Meadowhall, which has been an avid supporter of Gloria and her initiative for the past three years and the work she has done for the lonely and elderly across South Yorkshire, once again helped with the event by funding the meal, helping to deck the venue with festive decorations as well as providing volunteers at the lunch itself, helping to serve food all day.

Gloria Stewart with some of the people at the Home Alone Christmas Party at Niagara Centre in SheffieldGloria Stewart with some of the people at the Home Alone Christmas Party at Niagara Centre in Sheffield
Gloria Stewart with some of the people at the Home Alone Christmas Party at Niagara Centre in Sheffield

Darren Pearce, Centre Director at Meadowhall, said: “We are proud to offer our support to Gloria and the Home Alone project and we feel honoured to not only attend this year’s Christmas event but to help make the event look and feel as special as ever.

“It offers a great opportunity to give back to the local community and help bring Christmas cheer to everyone during this festive period.”

Guests enjoyed a six-course meal along with an afternoon of entertainment including gift giving and a raffle.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Gloria, dubbed Mrs Christmas’ for her generous spirit, founded the Home Alone At Christmas event after meeting an elderly lady in a hospital waiting room who told her she spent December 25 eating biscuits with a cup of coffee on her own every year.

Gloria Stewart with some of the people at the Home Alone Xmas Party at Niagara Centre in Sheffield.Gloria Stewart with some of the people at the Home Alone Xmas Party at Niagara Centre in Sheffield.
Gloria Stewart with some of the people at the Home Alone Xmas Party at Niagara Centre in Sheffield.

With the help of her family and friends, a host of volunteers, and many donations she has been able to make thousands of people’s Christmas wish come true and help them have company during the festive season.

Any food leftover from this year’s lunch will be delivered to nursing homes and homeless charities in the city.