Bringing Festive Joy to Our Communities with the Royal Voluntary Service
Published on 7th Apr, 2026
At Morrisons, we believe that Christmas is about more than just the food on the table; it’s about the people gathered around it. That’s why Morrisons is incredibly proud to partner with the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) to ensure that this festive season, no one has to pull a cracker alone.
Through our latest partnership, we are supporting over 180 Festive Spread events across Britain, specifically designed to bring older people together for a hot meal, a chat, and some much-needed holiday cheer.
More Than Just a Meal
For many, the winter months can be a challenging time. Shorter days and colder weather often lead to increased isolation, making it harder for many members of our community to get out and see friends.
Mina Pegram, a 97-year-old lunch club diner, describes these events as a "light in the darkness."
"The Festive Spread is so special, bringing us all together just before Christmas. It really gives us all something to look forward to at what can be an extremely difficult time of year for those of us that live alone. Life is all about connecting with other people." - Mina Pegram
How the Morrisons Foundation is Helping
To make this year’s celebrations bigger than ever, the Morrisons Foundation has donated £50,000, enabling the Royal Voluntary Service to host an additional 100 celebrations nationwide.
This donation helps dedicated volunteers provide a welcoming space where older and vulnerable people can experience the connection that makes this season so special. For some, this may be their only opportunity to share a Christmas meal with others.
A Recipe for Connection
We are also thrilled to have the support of celebrity TV chef Rosemary Shrager, our Festive Spread campaign ambassador. As someone who knows her way around a kitchen better than most, Rosemary understands that the secret ingredient to any great meal is company.
"Food has a wonderful way of bringing people together. It's comfort, joy, and love all rolled into one," says Rosemary. "No one should feel alone at this time of year, and sharing a meal made with care and kindness can make all the difference. I can’t wait to see hearts become full and tummies become fuller!" - Rosemary Shrager
Get Involved with Your Community
Our partnership with the Royal Voluntary Service is part of our ongoing commitment to support local charities and tackle loneliness across the UK.
Want to help?
Volunteer: The RVS is always looking for friendly faces to help at lunch clubs and community events.
Check-in: A simple "hello" to an older neighbour can make their day.
Share your story: Have you attended an RVS event or volunteered in your local area? Share your photos and stories on Social Media to spread the word.
