Between them, the campaign winners – dedicated pub and hotel general managers, hospital chefs and community volunteers – have given up over 60 Christmases at home to ensure the enjoyment of others’.
From over 100 nominations, the judging panel of industry experts selected five winners across four industry sectors to be treated to a meal to enjoy with family and friends, as well as a Virgin Experience Days voucher.
Andy Kemp, group sales and marketing director at Bidfood, said: “I was so pleased to be running Bidfood’s Christmas Gift for a second year, recognising those who work so hard to make Christmas a special time for all of us. The fact that we chose additional winners speaks volumes about the calibre of entries received."
“A huge thank you is in order, not just to the winners and finalists, but all of the entrants whose incredible efforts and generosity certainly doesn’t go unnoticed.”
With the number of people dining out on Christmas Day rising 240% in five years, 93% of hospitality workers accept there is a chance they will have to work Christmas or Boxing Day.
Whilst working over the festive period may not be their choice, Bidfood has said that 44% of those in the hospitality industry revealed they liked working on the festive days.
Anne Pierce, chief executive of The Springboard Charity & Springboard UK, and who helped judge the entries, said: “It was an absolute privilege to judge Bidfood’s Christmas Gift again this year, but it was also a challenging and emotional experience with many of the entries quite literally bringing a lump to my throat.
“Reading through so many incredible stories of people who give up their Christmas festivities to selflessly give joy to others was truly humbling. Bidfood’s Christmas Gift is a lovely way to give back to hardworking people who give so much to others at Christmas.”
The winners were:
Care
Leslie Griffiths, Assistant Head Cook, Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Foodie outlets
Jenny Close, General Manager, The Rubbing House
Accommodation
Adam Msetfi, General Manager, The White Hart
Charities and other
Rhona and Stewart Boyle, Church Elders, St Nicolas Parish Church and Colin Aldridge, Chairman, East Oxford Community Association