News Beat
Homeless Aid UK supports those in need this Christmas day
Homeless Aid UK hosted Christmas Day meals in Bolton today, offering hot meals, snacks, cakes, clothing, and gifts to those who needed them most.
The meal, held at midday on December 25, was part of the charity’s ongoing work to support people experiencing homelessness.
Billa Ahmed, co-founder of Homeless Aid UK, said online: “What a month it has been.
“Busy, emotional, exhausting, and truly humbling.
“This Christmas we have been preparing and providing gifts for children living in poverty, supporting elderly individuals who are alone and struggling, delivering meals and gifts, hosting a Christmas party for our homeless friends, and today on Christmas Day we were out again in Bolton and Oldham serving those who needed us most.
“When someone looks at you and says they cannot remember the last time they had a Christmas meal, it really brings everything into focus.
“So many people are lonely. So many are on their own.
“Moments like that stay with you and remind us exactly why this work matters.”
Guests attending the Bolton meal were treated to a hot dinner, snacks, cakes, clothing and gifts.
Mr Ahmed praised the many volunteers and contributors who helped make the event possible, including Noelene Gillatt and her team, who prepared the food on the day.
The meat was kindly donated by Burkate Food Store on St Helens Road, Bolton and fresh veg donated by Strawberry Gardens on the market.
The majority of snacks on the tables were donated by Homeless Aid UK with cakes generously donated by Tahera and Victoria Gethin.
Gifts were donated by Harper Green and many others who continue to support the community group.
Brand new coats were also donated to everyone, while free haircuts were provided by Sarah Olinda Willoughby and her friend from House of GB, which brought “so many smiles today.”
A similar Christmas Day event was also held in Oldham, with hot food and snacks donated by Gourmét Steak & Grill and support from the Homeless Aid UK team.
Mr Ahmed said: “Once again, Homeless Aid UK supported with the majority of Christmas snacks, gifts, coats, and essentials.
“A big thank you to all our supporters and the amazing team on the ground in Oldham and Bolton who made it happen.
“And finally, the biggest thank you goes to our incredible team and supporter.
“You gave up time with your own families to be there for people who had no one.”
He also acknowledged the dedication of volunteers who worked throughout the festive period.
He said: “You worked through exhaustion, cold, and chaos, and you did it with compassion, respect, and heart.
“This does not happen without you.
“To everyone who donated, cooked, supported, shared, or stood with us this Christmas, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
“You made Christmas possible for people who would otherwise have gone without.”
Homeless Aid UK is an organisation run by a group of friends dedicated to ending homelessness by delivering life-changing support and campaigning for long-term change.
