ESS, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, has collaborated with suppliers to donate over 10,000 meals and 300 food parcels to charitable organisations in the Aberdeen area this Christmas.
Led by Culinary Director Graham Singer, volunteers from ESS prepared a selection of over 1,200 meals with accompaniments including macaroni cheese, meatballs in tomato and basil sauce with penne pasta, braised pork sausages with sliced potatoes, beef bourguignon, chicken tikka masala, chilli con carne and sweet potato gobi.
The freshly cooked meals were distributed alongside ready meals and meal kit ingredients, giving beneficiaries access to a variety of dishes that will last throughout the festive period.
The team also provided a range of hampers containing Christmas confectionary, festive selection boxes, and staple food items such as soups, pasta, cooking sauces, rice, biscuits, tea and coffee.
1st Stonehaven Explorer Scouts helped the ESS volunteers to distribute the meals and hampers.
The initiative was supported by donations from ESS supply partners Lomond Foods, JW Gray & Co, Riso Gallo S.p.A, Strachans Ltd, Benzies of Turriff, Sandwich Larder, Amity Fish Company, The Bay Fish & Chips and ESS client Ithaca Energy. The food parcels were prepared in CHC Helicopter's Aberdeen hangar, with CHC colleagues nominating charities to receive a share of the parcels.
The team are proud to be supporting local organisations doing fantastic work to support those in need this Christmas, including Bo’Ness Food Pantry, Stonehaven Fetteresso Church, churches in Aberdeen and East Kilbride, sheltered housing, local community centres and the Aberdeen City Council out of hours homeless service.
Sam and Barbara Henderson, Managing Directors of Lomond Fine Foods, commented:
"We are delighted to support ESS in their charity work providing meals and gifts to those in need over the festive period. Giving up time with their own friends and families to help others is a wonderful gift and we are proud to help the ESS team at this time."
Graham Singer, Culinary Director for ESS, commented:
“I’m delighted that we can provide these meals and treats for people who are experiencing challenges this Christmas. We’re supporting wonderful organisations who do fabulous work and I hope our donations bring a moment of festive cheer to the recipients.”
Ronnie Kelman, Managing Director for ESS Energy, Government & Infrastructure, added:
“Each year I’m overwhelmed by the commitment to our Christmas charity campaign, from our supply partners who so generously donate ingredients, to our clients who provide their facilities and, of course, our colleagues who volunteer their time. It’s a real team effort that is truly heartwarming to witness – thank you to everyone involved.”
