REfUSE Cafe is still operating as a ‘social supermarket’ and open for takeaway toasties, hot drinks and cakes Wednesday-Saturdays, 11 until 2. The shop has been beautifully decorated, you won’t miss our twinkling lights in the windows on the high street – pop in and say hello when you’re doing your Christmas shopping this weekend!
Though we’re sadly not going to be able to do our amazing community Christmas Day meal like we have done in previous years, we’re still keeping busy and serving those that might be alone or struggling over the Christmas break.
Here is everything you need to know about Christmas at REfUSE this year:
Cafe Opening Hours
We are opening the shop and cafe (takeaways only) on Wednesday 23rd December, and then open again from 6th January. The cafe will be closed 24th December until 5th January.
Waste Not Boxes
The last Waste Not Box delivery will be Saturday 19th December, order via our website at 4pm on Friday 18th. Starting again on Thursday 7th January, order at 4pm on Wednesday 6th.
Sharing the Joy
We may be closed in the shop, but we’ll still be feeding bellies not bins this Christmas. We’re going to be packing boxes of food, full of Christmas goodies as well as store cupboard and fridge staples, to help families and those who might be alone or struggling get through the Christmas week.
If you or someone you know needs help this Christmas, please get in touch with christmas@refusedurham.org.uk. We are very limited in how much food we will have to give out, but if we can’t help we can try and direct you to others who can.
Christmas Presents
Our website, and the ‘Waste Not Shop’ in the cafe, are full of homemade and ethical options for your Christmas presents. From chutneys and jams made from surplus fruit & veg in partnership with Handcrafted, to handmade face masks that match handmade scunchies, to plastic free soap bars and build-your-own Christmas Crackers. Check out our shop to peruse and choose to shop local and ethical this year.
You can also buy your loved ones an e-voucher to say that instead of getting them tat that they don’t need you have bought us some non-slip flooring or plasterboard for our vital kitchen extension! Click here to see the ‘rewards’ you can buy through our Crowdfunder.
How can you help?
Donate – thanks to all those who have offered to donate non-food Christmas gifts: though we have taken these in previous years, we are currently clearing our stores to make room for the new building project, and still have presents left over from last year! So we would be really grateful if you would donate to us financially instead: it would give us freedom to buy the things we know we need, and not spend time sorting through all the things we don’t need. You can donate to us through our Crowdfunder campaign or here via PayPal.
Volunteer – we are in need of one or two drivers who would volunteer to help deliver boxes on Wednesday 23rd and Wednesday 30th December. It would take around 2-3 hours of your time, and your car too! Please email nikki@refusedurham.org.uk if you can help.
Spread the word – for us, the best gift of all would be to make our Crowdfunder target this Christmas. It will help us continue to make an impact for years to come. If you’ve not seen it yet, watch our video and pledge your support here.