Vilvoorde (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – On Boxing Day, Het Volkshuis in Vilvoorde hosted “Together at the Table”, serving 100 guests, including homeless people, led by Jan Jodts and care caterer André Classens, with CAW Halle-Vilvoorde support.
As VRT News reported, on Boxing Day, Het Volkshuis in Vilvoorde welcomed the annual “Together at the Table” Christmas dinner. Around 100 guests attended the event. The initiative is led by Jan Jodts, founder of the “Sharing is Multiplying” community.
“The idea is the same as every year,”
Jodts said,
“We want to offer a meal and a place where people can feel included and connected.”
The Halle-Vilvoorde General Welfare Centre (CAW) selected the guests to make sure those most in need could participate.
“They know who needs this most,”
explains Jodts.
“These are homeless people and other vulnerable people from Vilvoorde, Machelen, and Grimbergen, but also from Brussels Airport.”
Who joined Vilvoorde’s “Together at the Table” Christmas dinner for 100?
The dinner also involved André Classens, an inclusion entrepreneur and care caterer, who oversaw the food.
“Without Andre, this wouldn’t be possible,”
emphasises Jodts.
“He handles a large portion of the organisation and costs, especially for the dinner. Providing a hot meal for 100 people is anything but easy.”
For the first time, every guest at “Together at the Table” received a care package to take home. The packages were provided by companies that focus on personal care and hygiene products. Organisers said the donations meet a specific need for guests, many of whom do not have easy access to such essentials.
The atmosphere at Het Volkshuis was warm and relaxed throughout the evening.
“I’m so happy to be here,”
says Patrick, who has been staying in an emergency shelter for months.
“I have no family at home anymore. Here I feel welcome.” Fatima (38) is also visibly enjoying herself: “The food is delicious, but the company is especially good. Not being alone for a while is the greatest gift.”
Organisers said “Together at the Table” is more than a shared meal.
“It’s not just about a meal;”
concludes Jodts.
“It’s about being seen, about sitting around the table together. For many people, that might just be the most important Christmas gift.”
The Yuletide Dinner being held this year (2024) is the continuation of the previous initiative for Christmas Dinners called “Samen aan Tafel,” which took place in Vilvoorde, Belgium, in November 2024. This program aims to provide a festive meal each year to the most socially vulnerable members of the community. The first dinner was hosted at Het Volkshuis on December 25, 2023 and welcomed approximately 100 attendees from Vilvoorde, Machelen and Zaventem.
