Whilst most people are preparing to tuck into their Christmas dinner this year, a group of Bolton volunteers are providing people less fortunate with a warm meal. The event will take place in the Bolton Market carpark and is not just for the homeless but anyone in need this Christmas. It has been put on by Billa Ahmed and food is currently being prepared for 12pm and includes a full Christmas dinner, cakes, hot and cold drinks and snacks.
Billa said: “We have people who are homeless and in temporary accommodation, we have people who are financially struggling and for them it is just another day and they are looking for their next meal. “What we have done, as many have no family, we decided to do a food kitchen. Normally we just do it for rough sleepers but this year we have opened it up to anyone who is struggling.
“We want to show to the Bolton family that we are here, and somebody does care for them.” The team of volunteers, who have given up their own Christmas to help others, will later travel to Manchester and are doing a six-mile outreach walk. Billa added: “Homelessness isn’t just for Christmas and if anyone is doing good then continue doing good and that is my message to give to people this year.
” Research conducted by Shelter revealed that one in 160 people were estimated to be homeless in England on a given night, 14% higher than in 2023. The charity blamed “extortionate private rent” and a “dire lack of genuinely affordable” social homes for �.