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Claude’s Christmas Day: Turning Loneliness into Connection Through Compassion in Action.

Writer's picture: Sharon WilliamsSharon Williams

Updated: Jan 31

In the heart of the community, Declan Moore, owner of Claude’s Café, and a team of volunteers have turned acts of kindness into a lifeline for many. Inspired by the unwavering compassion of his late mother, Declan made it his mission to give back to the community in meaningful ways. What started as a simple desire to help, has blossomed into ‘Claude’s Christmas Day’, a beautiful example of how local efforts can reduce social isolation and loneliness.



But Declan will tell you that he does it for selfish reasons,

‘My mother died around Christmas in 1988. And I think, now that I look back, starting the Christmas dinners was my way of trying to cope with bereavement by making her proud and keeping busy. I can see that some of the volunteers are giving up their time for similar reasons, because Christmas can be tough when someone you love isn’t there anymore.’

Every Christmas, while many are enjoying the festive season with their families, Declan and his volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that no one in their community is left behind. They deliver Christmas dinners to homes and organise warm gatherings in a local hotel for those who might otherwise spend the holiday alone. This remarkable act of kindness brings together volunteers and community members, providing not just a meal, but a sense of belonging and support at a time when loneliness can feel especially overwhelming.


Declan explains the volunteer support, ‘Our volunteers are everyone and anyone; they are nurses, consultants, road sweepers, police officers, retired people and young people. They all have something to offer and together they make Christmas Day for others a place of safety and connection. Some of these connections have transformed into friendship which is very special.’

Declan is quick to say that what began a small act of kindness has grown beyond anything he could have imagined, 25 Christmas dinners many years ago is now in excess of 700. It has taken nearly 25 years to come this far, and the journey has been guided by compassion and a sense of responsibility. We understand the privilege and responsibility that volunteers have when visiting a person’s home. That’s why volunteers are vetted and equipped to identify reasons for concern about a person’s welfare. If they think a house is too cold, for example, they report this back and we will get oil vouchers to put heat in the house’.

The Seed of Compassion

Declan’s compassion didn’t come from nowhere; it was nurtured by his late mother and father, who were known for their generous spirit and capacity to care for others. Inspired by their example, and through some meaningful conversations with his cousin Dermot, Declan discovered a way to make a difference to people, who for one reason or another, are lonely and socially isolated.

When asked how the initiative is funded, Declan explains how his suppliers kindly donate the food, local hotels provide their kitchen and dining room free of charge and many other contacts offer discounts and vouchers. The public also donate to the cause so that he never has to put his hand in his pocket. An example of how one good deed breeds another.

And Declan’s work extends beyond the holidays. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when schools were closed and children who relied on free school meals were left without a safety net, Declan stepped up again. Understanding the crucial role a hot meal plays in a child’s life, he and his team provided meals to children who would normally receive free school dinners. This initiative ensured that children in need continued to be fed, reducing anxiety for struggling families during an already difficult time.

A Real-Life Example of Compassion in Action

Declan’s story is a powerful example of the Compassion in Action ethos in practice. His efforts highlight how community-driven initiatives can address both the immediate needs—such as hunger and loneliness—and the emotional support people crave during challenging times. The impact of his work resonates deeply within the community, offering not just sustenance but a reminder that no one is truly alone when their community steps up to care.

This is the core message of the Compassion in Action programme: fostering community bonds through practical support, compassion and care. Declan and his team demonstrate how compassion can ripple through a community, bringing people together and creating a sense of unity that extends beyond food and into the realm of human connection.

Reducing Social Isolation

Social isolation and loneliness are serious issues that can impact us all, particularly the elderly, those living alone, and individuals facing difficult life transitions. Declan’s initiative is a beacon of hope for such individuals. The simple act of delivering a hot meal or inviting someone to a shared meal can lift spirits and remind people that they are valued members of their community.

The Christmas dinner deliveries, the community hotel gatherings, and the pandemic meal service all serve a greater purpose: they help alleviate loneliness by fostering meaningful connections.

These seeds of compassion have grown and inspired other initiatives such as the Men’s Drop-In Café, which started on a Thursday evening. Now there is a café happening in other parts of the city every night of the week. The café provides a safe, informal space where men can come together, share their experiences, and receive support from peers who understand the challenges of mental health.

A Ripple Effect of Compassion

Much like Declan’s initial efforts to provide meals and reduce social isolation, the Men’s Drop-In café has become a powerful example of how grassroots initiatives can evolve to address the broader needs of a community. The compassion that started with food has grown into mental health support, reflecting the holistic nature of community care. This initiative, inspired by the spirit of giving back, highlights how communities can rally around their members in times of need, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose.

A Model of Compassionate Community Care


Declan’s work serves as a real-life embodiment of Compassion in Action and showcases how grassroots efforts can have a profound impact. It is a testament to how one person’s dedication can inspire others to step up, whether through volunteering, donating resources, or simply checking in on neighbours who might need a little extra support.

As the holiday season approaches, Declan and his team remind us that compassion can be the most powerful gift of all. Their work, driven by the desire to honour a mother’s legacy and give back to their community, demonstrates the extraordinary power of ordinary people coming together to make a difference.

Want to get involved? If you feel inspired by Declan’s story and are looking for ways to help in your own community, acts of compassion no matter how small make a difference. Declan is keen to share the learning of Claude’s Christmas Day and offers to mentor people who have identified a similar need in their community.

To contact Declan, phone (028) 7127 9379 or email info@claudescafe.com, or simply call into the café https://www.claudescafe.com.

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