The Christmas Gift campaign aims to reward hospitality workers who sacrifice spending Christmas with their families to make the holiday season special for others.
According to a Bidfood survey 93% of hospitality workers are expecting to either work Christmas or Boxing Day. The same survey also found that 67% of their friends and family complained about their absence during the festive season.
There were 98 nominations and the judging panel selected five winners across four industry sectors including care, accommodation, charity and food outlets. The winners received a Virgin Experience voucher to enjoy with their friends or family.
Andy Kemp, group sales & marketing director at Bidfood, said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to run this campaign again for a third year. As many of you are aware, Bidfood’s Christmas Gift is very close to my heart, and it’s a pleasure to read just how many unsung heroes there are in our fantastic industry.
“It’s no easy feat picking a winner, as the calibre of entries we receive is so high each year. Not only does this make the job for the judges that bit harder, but it has also resulted in a few extra winners and gifts been given to those most worthy.
“A big thank you to everyone who nominated and to all those who give up their own Christmas to work so hard to make the festive period such a special time for us all.”
The winners of Bidfood’s Christmas Gift 2019 campaign are:
- Leanne Hanham, kitchen assistant, Harry Sotnick House
- Kieghley Whalebone, chef, North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust
- Gail Gillon, manager, Jollytots & Cookies
- Kerstin Kopeitko, restaurant supervisor, Golden Lion Hotel
- Tracy Dickinson Wheeldon, owner of Tracy’s Street Kitchen