A Dundee man has offered Christmas Day lunch to Food Train volunteer Gary Rae, who has been living on toast amid the cost of living crisis.
Gary volunteers for the charity delivering shopping to people in need across Dundee four days a week.
He struggles to make ends meet due to limited finances and the rising cost of living.
But, in the true spirit of Christmas, after we told Gary’s story yesterday a Good Samaritan contacted us to offer Gary a festive feast at Dundee’s Discovery Quay.
Gary, 54, told us he’s living mostly on bread, and soup and hot drinks provided by Food Train while he’s working at Food Train’s Kingsway Park depot.
“I’m not eating so much because I have to put money on my electric. The cost is sky-high, even with the £66 (government fuel benefit) help,” he explained.
“I skip meals until I’m hungry. Then it’s usually just toast and butter when I go home.
“I know I’m not eating properly but toast is quick and gets me warmed up.”
The retired man, who wishes to remain anonymous, was touched by Gary’s story and says he’d like to help.
He explains: “What I’ll say is that I have a change in circumstances this year for the first time since 1963.
“But I wanted to go out for a Christmas meal so I phoned around trying to get a booking.
“I’ve been able to get a table at Discovery Quay.
‘The ideal guy to have this’
“I was just going to go on my own. But after reading the story about Gary Rae I phoned to ask if there was space for two people.
“They said yes and I’d like to ask Gary to go. He’ll be able to get whatever he wants from the menu.
“If Gary is available I’ll be pleased to take him for the meal. Reading his story in the paper I thought he’d be the ideal guy to have this.”
We’ve forwarded the details of the Good Samaritan to Food Train so they can make Gary aware of the kind offer.
Amanda Symington, development officer at Food Train Dundee, says: “It’s heartwarming to know that there are Good Samaritans out there.
‘Sums up the spirit of Christmas’
“This is an offer which really does sum up the spirit of Christmas.
“Gary – like all of our volunteers – does a fantastic job, which is hugely appreciated.
“We’re pleased that he’ll enjoy some festive cheer after making essential shopping deliveries to older people across Dundee.”
- For more information on Food Train’s services, including befriending and household support for older people, click here.
