For the second year running, the Fitzrovia Centre served Christmas dinner for Londoners of all ages who, for whatever reason, would otherwise have spent Christmas day alone. Guests were asked to bring a children’s gift and all presents were donated to the children’s acute cancer ward of the University College London Hospital (UCLH) and the Evelina London Children’s Hospital.
As well as dinner and drinks, guests were treated to some pleasant entertainment including singing of Christmas songs, a film screening, and a play room with ping pong and other games.
Christmas can be a time of high stress for those living on their own, as more than at any other time of year it can exacerbate feelings of isolation. The ability to join a group of people in a similar situation and share Christmas together can be a lifesaver.
Local resident Georges Sokol came up with the idea, leading a team of volunteers who delivered very successful events. 43 people attended this year and many words of appreciation were uttered.
