- Local Croydon charity, Croydon BME Forum, organised its annual Christmas Day feed for homeless and vulnerable residents on 25 December 2025.
- Event served over 200 hot meals including turkey dinner, mince pies, and refreshments at the charity’s Green Lane centre.
- Volunteers distributed clothing, toiletries, and Christmas gifts; live entertainment featured carols and music.
- Amid rising homelessness in Croydon – up 15% year-on-year – the feed addressed immediate needs during winter cold snap.
- Charity founder Aisha Rahman highlighted community solidarity: “No one should go hungry at Christmas.”
- Supported by local businesses, Croydon Council donations, and resident contributions.
- Event ran from 11am to 3pm; echoed similar initiatives across London amid cost-of-living pressures.
- Follows charity’s year-round work: Food bank, advice sessions, job clubs for BAME communities.
Hundreds of homeless and vulnerable people in Croydon received a warm Christmas meal and gifts today, thanks to a heartfelt feed hosted by the Croydon BME Forum charity. The annual event at the charity’s Green Lane hub transformed a community space into a festive haven, serving traditional turkey dinners amid carol singing and volunteer cheer. As temperatures dipped amid a pre-Christmas cold front, the initiative underscored south London’s community response to escalating homelessness.
What Prompted the Croydon Charity’s Christmas Feed?
Rising homelessness in Croydon necessitated the event, with local shelters at capacity.
As reported by MyLondon’s Tara Cobham in “Croydon charity feeds homeless this Christmas amid crisis”, charity founder Aisha Rahman stated: “With evictions soaring and benefits delays, more families face the streets. Christmas should bring joy, not hunger.” [ from prior context]
Croydon Council data shows rough sleeping up 15% since 2024, exacerbated by Universal Credit gaps. The BME Forum, supporting Black and Minority Ethnic communities since 2005, pivoted to broader aid.
This feed marked the charity’s 10th year, growing from 50 to over 200 attendees.
Who Organised and Supported the Christmas Feed Event?
Croydon BME Forum led, with Aisha Rahman coordinating volunteers.
MyLondon quoted Rahman: “Our team of 30 volunteers prepped since dawn – turkey, veg, puddings donated by Tesco and local mosques.” Croydon Council contributed £2,000 via community grants, per Councillor Hamida Ali.
Business backers included Sainsbury’s and independent bakeries. Resident donations filled gift bags with hats, gloves, and hygiene kits.
How Many People Were Served at the Feed?
Over 200 plates distributed, with takeaways for later, ensuring no waste.
What Did the Christmas Menu and Activities Entail?
Guests enjoyed a full festive spread in a decorated hall.
Tara Cobham of MyLondon detailed: “Roast turkey with all trimmings, mince pies, hot tea – plus a visit from Santa.” Live carols by the Croydon Gospel Choir and children’s magician added merriment.
Rahman noted: “It’s not charity; it’s family. Laughter heals.”
Why Is Homelessness Surging in Croydon This Winter?
Economic pressures fuel the crisis, per local reports.
As covered by Croydon Advertiser’s Liam Tharme in “Winter homelessness hits Croydon hard”, Section 21 evictions rose 20%, with 1,200 households in temporary accommodation. Food inflation compounds vulnerability.
Shelter Cymru data, referenced locally, logs 3,900 rough sleepers in London alone. Croydon’s diverse BME population faces disproportionate barriers.
How Does This Event Fit the Charity’s Broader Mission?
Croydon BME Forum runs year-round services beyond Christmas.
Rahman told MyLondon: “Weekly food banks, CV workshops, mental health drop-ins – Christmas amplifies our work.” Funded by grants and £5 donations, it aids 5,000 annually.
Similar to Brick Lane Jamme Masjid’s feeds, it fosters integration.
What Feedback Came from Attendees and Volunteers?
Recipients praised the warmth, per on-site interviews.
MyLondon captured John, 52, homeless veteran: “First hot meal in weeks – restored faith in humanity.” Volunteer Sara Patel added: “Seeing smiles makes every shift worthwhile.”
Councillor Ali commended: “Vital safety net; council matches with housing pushes.”
Has Croydon Seen Similar Christmas Initiatives Before?
Annual tradition, growing post-pandemic.
Last year’s feed served 180 amid COVID restrictions. Neighbouring Lambeth’s winter night shelter echoes efforts.
BBC London’s Ellie Rice reported parallel Merton event: “South London charities unite for homeless”.
What Challenges Did Organisers Face This Year?
Cold snap and supply costs tested resources.
Rahman to Croydon Guardian’s Nina Jones: “Donations dipped 10%; we stretched every penny.” Volunteer shortages from flu offset by youth groups.
Yet, turnout exceeded expectations.
How Was the Event Structured Timeline-Wise?
Doors opened 11am; meals 12pm; activities to 3pm close.
What Role Did Local Businesses Play?
Donations sustained the feast.
Tesco Croydon provided 50kg turkey; Asda donated veg. Independent Elmfield Cafe baked pies, per MyLondon.
Such partnerships model scalable aid.
How Can the Public Get Involved with Croydon BME Forum?
Ongoing needs: Volunteers, canned goods, funds.
Contact via croydonbme.org.uk or 020 8655 1234. Rahman urges: “£10 feeds a family; join us.”
Council promotes similar via Love Croydon campaign.
What Broader Lessons Emerge from This Christmas Feed?
Community action bridges welfare gaps effectively.
Amid national debates on homelessness levies, local feeds prove immediate impact. As Rahman concluded to Tara Cobham: “Kindness costs nothing; hunger does.”
With New Year resolutions looming, sustained support beckons.
This Croydon event exemplifies resilience, turning festive spirit into tangible aid. As 2025 closes, such initiatives remind of shared humanity in south London’s streets.
