26/12/2025
Official Statement
We were introduced / approached by an individual who wanted to cook and offer FREE Christmas lunch on Christmas Day to give back to the community.
We carried out some dudilligence and we as Sleights Community Hub offered to host the event by advertising, crowdfunding and organising the event.
A FREE Christmas lunch for older adults, carers and people living with dementia.
We raised £820 for the event through donations via crowdfunding and we’re blown away by people’s generosity and kindness.
Unfortunately, on Tuesday 23rd December it transpired the funds had been misused / stolen by an individual who was in a position of trust.
Despite the circumstances and through the power of positive connections, everyone rallied round to ensure Christmas lunch went ahead as planned.
A huge thank you to all the volunteers who give up their time to make a cracking Christmas lunch and made the day a huge success.
Food left over was boxed up and delivered by volunteers into the community to those in need around Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland.
We would like to reassure the public the individual has been reported to the police, who will now deal with matters officially and hopefully recover the funds.
Despite the stress and upset caused, this will not stop us doing what we do, its business as usual and we look forward to 2026.
From all at Sleights Community Hub, we wish you a merry Christmas and all the best for 2026.