Emdad Rahman
A homeless friend told me that food is a great bridge between people. We are blessed to have such opportunities to befriend and serve.
Honestly, if it weren’t us, it’d certainly be others. It’s the way these things take effect. And just as this friend mentioned it’s not always about a full belly. One or two of our friends and guests simply pop in to have a chat.
The most common sentiment I’ve heard is how homeless friends feel invisible. I lighten the mood by comparing them to superheroes.
So, we are privileged. Abdal and new City of London Freeman Rofikul made the starting line up, adding a mixture off brains, brawn, dazzle and glamour. We had delicious pasta on the menu thanks to the Uddin family.
A few things have changed at the Stratford Centre entrance. We used to stand and serve in front of Superdrugs where there used to be a congregation of rough sleepers. Superdrug used to complain and set Stratford Centre security on us. Now in front of Starbucks there’s pretty flower installations to brighten up the area but to also prevent rough sleepers darkening the doorsteps of these massive global enterprises.
It used to give me a chuckle watching the Masala Chai brigade sipping away inside whilst observing hordes of homeless and rough sleepers from the other side of that bright and shiny pane of glass separating them.
If you’d like to donate food then please get in touch with me on Twitter @emdad07