An Army chef from Glenfield has used his skills to help serve up platefuls of Christmas cheer to homeless people.
Private Arron Dann, of Colchester-based 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, served up a three-course festive feast for residents and staff at Colchester Engagement & Next Steps (CENS).
Arron, 21, was part of a team of chefs who raised more than £600 from a coffee morning and sponsored walk in the Lake District to buy the food and presents for CENS residents, such as jumpers and toiletries.
Picture credit: British Army
The former Brookvale Groby Learning Campus pupil said: “It’s a nice way to do something good in the community, and talking to the residents gives me a different perspective on life. Having a hot meal every day and being with my family for special occasions is something that I take for granted, but not everyone has that. It’s very rewarding to help people going through a rough patch in their lives.”
Arron has been in the Army for four years, and deployed on exercises in Cyprus, Estonia, Germany. and Kenya.
“I’d always wanted to be a chef and I was working in hospitality when Covid hit, and that job just went,” he said. “Looking around the Army gave me the opportunity do what I enjoy, but also have a little bit more. I’ve learnt military skills, enjoyed going to all different places, and the Army is like a big family – and my job is to keep the family fed!”
Picture credit: British Army
