LISTEN - County Tyrone restaurant and GAA club support frontline workers and vulnerable residents

by Gráinne Connolly

As frontline workers continue to battle the coronavirus pandemic and those most vulnerable in society stay isolated for the benefit of their own health, a county Tyrone has come together to support them at this difficult time. 

Award winning restaurant Red Pepper in Castlederg took the decision to close earlier this month due to fears for the health and safety of their staff and members of the public.

Following the closure, owners Colin and Ann-Marie McMenamin realised they had a lot of food left over, so decided they would give back to the community by preparing meals and providing them to the likes of older people and those in the health and social care sector. 

However, their initiative has become extremely popular and they are now preparing around 200 meals on a daily basis. 

The local GAA club Caislean na Deirge is also on board, with volunteers collecting the meals from Red Pepper and hand delivering them to older people in the community, local chemists and workers at the GP surgery. 

Some meals have also been making it as far as Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry/Londonderry for staff. 

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Colin told Q Radio, "We had product in the fridge and time on our hands and just thought we would put this out there for the NHS workers, the doctors and nurses who are working and the old and vulnerable. 

"It just took legs and away it went, we're flying. 

"We thought we would only get one or two days out of it but we're now over a week in." 

Colin said they have received massive support from other local businesses who have been donating food, in order for them to continue the service. 

When asked how long Red Pepper plans to continue preparing and delivering the food to key workers and those in need, Mr McMenamin said he will do it as long as there is a need for it and if the support continues. 

(Full interview with Colin McMenamin below)

A fund me page has been set up for donations in order to keep the initiative going. 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/castlederg-community-meals