The Sikh Charity organisers of a Christmas Eve dinner for the homeless at Grand Central in Birmingham New Street have hailed an “unbelievable” night that left some of the guests in tears at the act of kindness. Generosity from Sikh organisation gave out more than 20,000 meals over Christmas.
The Midlands Langar Seva Society gave out more than 20,000 meals to those in need over the festive period, reaching out on every day of the season.
The free yuletide party in Birmingham New Street Station on the busy lower concourse comprised of a three-course hot banquet, carol singers, a DJ and Santa.
Supported by Network Rail, the night had a moving choral performance and brought people together at what can be a lonely time of year.
Randhir Singh, chief executive of the society, said: “The feedback from our service users was unbelievable.
“At least half of the guests said it was the best Christmas they have ever had.
“One lady was in tears.
“She said she couldn’t remember the last time she danced so one of our volunteers took her hand and took over to the dancefloor.
“She couldn’t thank us enough.
“The food, hospitality and the whole set up came together on the night and made a lot of people happy.
“We had around 200 people turn up and without it they would have been stood outside in the cold, as would our volunteers.
“It’s been the talk of Birmingham and speaks so well of the city.
“We have had the biggest response ever on social media, with the most shares and the most comments we have ever had.”
The society, who are due to attend a debrief with Network Rail early next week, want to turn the dinner into an annual event.
“We were out on Christmas Day and have been out every day since,” Thandir said.
“Over Christmas we gave out more than 20,000 meals across the UK as well as presents in the week before Christmas, with schools and organisations giving donations.
“We were able to give out two or three presents at a time.
“It put a lot of big smiles on people’s faces.”
Some of the volunteers that made the dinner possible – Caterers Spice Nation, the Black Country Community Gospel Choir and Paradigm Entertainment, with round tables decked out with Christmas crackers.
The society Midland Langar Seva, which won a TSB Local Pride of Birmingham Award in April 2017, is a non-profit organisation that aims to help the homeless and provide food to those in need.
