An 86-year-old woman is spending £1,000 ($1,488) putting on a Christmas lunch for 50 complete strangers who would otherwise be alone this holiday season.
Betty Williamson from Devon, UK, booked every single table at a local pub, paying for turkey dinners and wine, and invited anyone spending Christmas Day alone to come along.
Betty lost her husband 12 years ago and has since spent a number of Christmases on her own. “I don’t have any close relatives at all,” she said, “I was an only child, my husband was an only child, and we live miles away from other relatives.”
Betty asked her local council to help her organise everything, including booking a choir and a town crier. 50 people turned up to have their Christmas lunch with Betty today (Wednesday), most of whom were complete strangers.
It’s actually the second time the elderly lady, who graduated from the prestigious Oxford University, has organized a slap-up Christmas meal — she first launched the community event last year.
“I don’t really know Betty,” said May Kennedy, aged 90, “It’s very kind that she invited me. On Christmas Day I will be home alone because my family lives away.”
John Fisher, aged 86, added, “A lot of people would be on their own for Christmas if it wasn’t for Betty. It’s great to see her making a difference.”
“I thought why not help local people,” said Betty, “There’s so much publicity about Christmas, about spending money, when that isn’t what Christmas is about.”
As news of Betty’s lunch has spread, she’s been inundated with donations from around the world which she’ll be putting towards a similar party next year.
Can we come?