Cherie’s story: the best gift you can give

Life changed for Cherie when she developed schizophrenia in her 20s. She describes Social Bite, and Development and Support Worker Paul, as her connection to reality since then. “They didn’t treat me any differently. They encouraged me, they didn’t judge me, and they were all really friendly.”

 

Finding connection is true hospitality

Cherie’s background is in retail and hospitality – certainly handy when it comes to volunteering at Social Bite’s free food services! Cherie used to work at music festivals all over the country. She’d do around 10 a year, managing dozens of staff, as well as washing dishes and generally looking after the crew who built the stages and sound systems.

Cherie explains that she was never one for staying in the same place: she grew up in foster care and moved around a lot. It was hard to make friends, but she found stability came from meeting people and making connections. Now, when she volunteers, she applies her natural ability to forge connections as she serves teas and coffees and chats to guests.  “I help people open up who aren’t good at talking,” she reflects.

Whether it’s volunteering year-round, or at Christmas time during Festival of Kindness, Cherie believes it’s important to care about other people and show kindness. She says, “you never know until you try – but your actions matter. There’s always a butterfly effect.”

 

Kindness at Christmas can make a real difference

When she volunteers at Christmas services, Cherie likes to be in the kitchen. Of course, she’s good at washing dishes. “And I only burned the turkey once!” she jokes.

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Social Bite Aberdeen opens its doors to provide free Christmas dinners to anyone who needs it. Cherie describes the atmosphere as joyful: people are looking for companionship and to enjoy themselves, and they find it at Social Bite.

Much like her days working at the festivals, Cherie enjoys feeding people and seeing them relaxed and happy. But it’s even more significant over the festive season. “I’ve spent Christmas by myself, so I know it’s really nice to turn up and see a friendly face,” she explains. “People say, ‘thank you, you’ve made my day,’ and they really mean it.”

Cherie recommends that everyone should experience making a difference within their local community, especially if they’re struggling themselves. “Volunteering is gratifying, humbling, and empowering,” she says. “Christmas can be the loneliest time of year, but you can make a real difference in someone’s life by making them smile.”

 

The best gift you can give

Social Bite Aberdeen will serve about 230 Christmas dinners on Christmas Eve and another 50 on Christmas Day. The wee shop will be bustling with a mix of regular free food guests, as well as some people who come occasionally, or only for Christmas.

Cherie tries to know everyone’s name. She explains that this is because on Christmas Day, there’s no public transport and it’s much harder to get into town. “So if people are there, it’s because they really want to be.”

Growing up, the highlight of the year for Cherie was to get a present from the Giving Tree. Now she can recreate that for other people through the gifts she helps to give out at Social Bite at Christmas. The essential items like warm clothing and power banks, as well as treats like chocolate, are always appreciated.

But handing out physical items isn’t the only thing Cherie gives on Christmas Day. The opportunity to volunteer, to welcome people and make them feel seen, is also a gift. “All I have is time – and that’s the best gift you can give.”