A social action group have once again taken to the streets of Bristol to bring some much needed festive cheer to rough sleepers.
Muslims4Bristol have hosted their ninth festive food sharing event on Christmas Day. A group of around 20 people provided hot food and drink starting at Jamaica Street in Bristol from midday on December 25.
Homeless feeding on Christmas Day is one of the community initiatives which sees volunteers of different ages and backgrounds – although the majority are Muslims living in the city – come together to share food, drinks and companionship with homeless people during Christmas Day, showing them they are not forgotten.
This is now an annual event following its creation in 2015, which saw Muslim families prepare hot food and drinks to share with Bristolians who are lonely and homeless on Christmas Day.
Mohammed Elsharif who organised this event said: “This an annual tradition where Muslims, for the past nine years, go out on Christmas Day to share this special day with our Bristol brothers and sisters who spend the day alone – we will be their families on such day.”
Mohamed A Sayaqle, who is one of the organisers at this event said: “We want to share food, drinks, and company with our fellow Bristolians who are less fortunate to have shelter or family on Christmas Day.
“Sharing food fosters connection within the community, but more importantly, we aim to extend a culture of caring, sharing, and kindness. This is what it’s all about—spending time with them and showing we care and remember them.”
Abdul Ahmed, volunteer and organiser said: “Homelessness is challenging, especially during Christmas Day, as the businesses are closed, and a lot of people who are less fortunate may be feeling loneliness. We decided to come out, share food and spend time with them.
“This is my first time feeding homeless people on Christmas Day. It is inspiring, the smile, conversations with homeless people show how small gestures of kindness and generosity can bring happiness and a sense of community and hope with people, and this is one of things I love about Bristol.”