Project St Thomas, the Spalding-based charity and mission arm of the Catholic community, hosted a special celebration event at the weekend to thank the many individuals, organisations and partners who support its work across the South Holland community.
Around 70 people attended the event, which brought together volunteers, food collectors, sponsors, community leaders and partner organisations. The celebration provided an opportunity for everyone involved to meet one another, hear more about the charity’s work, enjoy a buffet and reflect on the impact of their collective efforts.
Over the past eight months, Project St Thomas has been on what organisers describe as a “whirlwind journey”, expanding rapidly to meet growing community need. Those behind the charity say this progress would not have been possible without the support, encouragement and practical help of the people invited to the celebration.
Project St Thomas now runs Tom’s Kitchen, a weekly community café where everyone is welcome to enjoy a quality lunch in a warm and friendly setting. The café offers a two-course weekly special for just £6.50, helping to ensure good food remains accessible to all.
The charity also hosts a weekly coffee morning every Tuesday from 10am to 12pm, where people are encouraged to come along for conversation and connection, with crafts welcomed as a way to share skills and involve others. In addition, Project St Thomas runs “Tools and Talk”, a men’s group held on Tuesdays from 2pm, offering a relaxed space for men to meet, chat, play cards or get involved in practical jobs together.
Alongside these initiatives, the charity continues to operate its original HIHO (Hub in Hub Out) project, which provides “give what you can” meals every Sunday 12-2pm and currently supports around 35 people each week.
Looking ahead, Project St Thomas is preparing to open a CMA (Community Money Advice) Connect Centre, which is expected to begin seeing clients in late February or early March. The new service has been made possible through the support of Seagate Homes Group, who created a private office space within the building to allow confidential, one-to-one appointments.
Through its affiliation with the CMA Hub, the Connect Centre will offer support with budgeting, checking benefit entitlement and accessing debt advice. The project has been funded by the Household Support Fund and is expected to bring a lasting positive impact to many people’s lives.
Those attending the celebration included food collectors from local supermarkets who regularly donate surplus food, volunteers who support activities across HIHO, Tom’s Kitchen, coffee mornings and community groups, and members of Long Sutton Men’s Shed, who support the charity’s men’s group.
Representatives from headline sponsor Seagate Homes Group were joined by sponsors Nestflex and Unirose, who attended the event in person. The charity also recognised the ongoing support of its other sponsors, Bryan Morriss Funeral Directors, Burmor Construction and Moulton Bulbs, who were unable to attend on the day.
Additional thanks were given to Flamingo Flowers, Pilgrim Europe and Lineage for their continued support through donations, products and volunteering. Representatives from B&Q were also in attendance, having earlier in 2025 redecorated the charity’s hall as their chosen charity project, making a significant and lasting impact on the space used by the community.
The event was further supported by the Chairlady of South Holland District Council, who has chosen Project St Thomas as one of the three charities she is supporting during her term of office. Representatives from the council’s Housing Team, who assist with food donations, also attended, alongside NHS partners and other community figures, including Jenna Withers, the Headteacher of St Norbert’s Catholic Primary School.
A particularly special guest was Janet Borst, who attended with family members. The charity acknowledged the lasting impact of the legacy of her late husband, Peter Borst, whose kindness enabled Project St Thomas to purchase the building from which it now operates its services.
During the event, a trophy was presented to Seagate Homes Group, along with flowers, in recognition of their continued and dedicated support to the charity.
The event was organised by Tracey Carter, Relationship Manager at Project St Thomas, who said the celebration was about recognising the people behind the charity’s rapid growth.
“The last eight months have been an incredible journey for Project St Thomas, and none of it would have been possible without the people in this room,” she said. “From volunteers and food collectors to sponsors and partners, every single person plays a part in helping us support our community. This event was simply about saying a heartfelt thank you and reminding us all what we can achieve when we work together.”
Father Jim Burke, Priest of the Catholic Church in Spalding, also addressed attendees and reflected on the charity’s wider mission.
“Project St Thomas is a living expression of the Church’s mission here in Spalding,” he said. “It is built on generosity, compassion and service, and this event shows us just how strong the community is around that mission. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributes to this work. This is my dream being realised.”
How to Get Involved
Project St Thomas is always keen to hear from individuals who would like to volunteer and support its growing range of activities, including food collection, café services and community groups.
The charity also welcomes enquiries from local businesses interested in getting involved through sponsorship, donations or partnerships, helping to ensure Project St Thomas can continue providing vital support across Spalding.
Anyone interested in volunteering or supporting the charity is encouraged to get in touch with Project St Thomas to find out more on project.stthomas@dioceseofnottingham.uk or 07719189528
