Write a commentTwo staff members of a Newry Bar and Grill have already produced an amazing 2000+ free meals for the elderly and vulnerable in the community, since the COVID-19 crisis started to bite in Newry in mid March.
The initiative is the brainchild of Merchant Bar and Grill Head Chef, Barry Meade and Manager, Liam Hughes and the idea became reality after they heard on St Patrick's Day that the popular Francis Street venue was closing for the foreseeable future like many other hospitality businesses in the area.
The community based project started with a call out on the venue's Facebook page offering meals for the elderly and vulnerable and it quickly became fully subscribed. Nearly a month later it is showing no sign of slowing down and in fact this Saturday the pair will be providing 100 meals for Daisy Hill Hospital staff.
As Liam remarks "The idea was to get 60 customers and give them one or two meals a day up to a total of 100 meals a day"
People and Volunteers call at the Merchant Monday to Friday to collect the meals for their elderly family or neighbours. Chef Barry Meade even gets in on the act delivering meals to his local community on his way home.
An incredible 2200 top notch dinners have gone out to date including Turkey and Ham, Pasta dishes, Roast Beef, Beef Casserole, Chicken Casserole, Mince and Spuds, Pork Loin and today when we called Chicken and Bacon Pasta Carbonara.
"It just gives them from Monday to Friday a bit of dinner. When people are out working it makes it harder for them to cook for them. At the weekends the family tend to look after themselves then.
"We are going to be running it as long as we can. As long as the government let us do this we will be doing it" says Liam.
Barry cooks up the meals from 10am while Liam packs and contacts customers. Come 12 or 1pm everything is ready for packaging so Barry leaves to do his deliveries and Liam arrives to package the dinners in 2's or 1's, checks his list and at 4pm -6pm people come to collect the meals.
Thanking those who help the operation run smoothly Liam adds "Big shout out to the owners, they have kept the faith in me and the chef to keep going to help the community out. I'd like to thank all the people who have turned up as well, they haven't let us down. They have been turning up every day to collect the meals."
Volunteer Drivers Eamon Hurley and Colin Morley from Ballybot House have also been on hand Monday to Friday doing deliveries.
The Merchant will also be supplying some departments in Daisy Hill Hospital this weekend "I've been in touch with Daisy Hill. There's three departments I've been in touch with at the minute, the Ambulance Crew, the Stroke Unit and the High Dependency Ward. We are going to be delivering meals to them on Saturday" Explains Liam.
Helena Young calls every day for meals for her Father and Stepmother and a neighbour and is full of praise for the initiative, something she sees as a Newry trait.
"So many people are doing so many great things. I am really proud to come from Newry because we are so well known and well renowned for our charitable endeavours and rallying, but at this particular time so many businesses, groups and individuals are really rallying and helping out their neighbours, and helping out our communities. I feel very very proud to be a Newry woman at this time." Commented Helena.
Adding her thanks to Liam and Barry and The Merchant Helena said "Today I'm picking up dinners for my Father and Stepmother and a neighbour and I've been coming down here to the Merchant for just over 4 weeks now and I really can't believe the generosity of this business, because while their doors are closed and they're actually not making any money, they are really contributing to our local community.
"Liam as well as the Chef giving their time every day, because they are here every day, even though the business isn't open.
"I just want to say thank you. Thank you on behalf of my Dad and my Step-mum, thank you on behalf of myself and thank you on behalf of the community and the people of Newry because this has been a fantastic initiative."
