Around 200 specially invited homeless guests will enjoy Christmas dinner at Euston station this Christmas.
Steve Naybour, head of transformation in Network Rail’s track team, said he normally works on December 25 and seized the opportunity to help the homeless when he found out he wasn’t scheduled to work.
Working alongside volunteers from charities St Mungo’s and Streets Kitchen, around 30 Network Rail workers have chosen to give up Christmas day to serve and clear food and chat with guests. Station colleagues, security staff and the British Transport Police (BTP) will manage security on the day.
The station concourse will be filled with decorations and tables will be laid for dinner so that guests can enjoy a full Christmas dinner and some company.
Steve Naybour said: “Thousands and thousands of my colleagues will already be working on Christmas Day to improve the railway for passengers.
“Working on Christmas Day is pretty much part for the course for many of us who work for Network Rail but this year, because I wasn’t scheduled to work, myself and a handful of colleagues came up with this plan to feed some of London’s homeless instead.
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“St Mungo’s and Streets Kitchen have been fantastic. And I’m proud to say we’ve had lots of interest from Network Rail colleagues to volunteer to come along on the day to help out.
“All of this is possible due to great support from the station team, BTP and local and national suppliers including the Pret Foundation Trust, Blacks outdoor clothing, Virgin Trains and Abellio – they’ve been amazing in making this event happen.”
Jon Glackin from Streets Kitchen added: “This is a shining example of local businesses, community groups and individuals coming together at Christmas in solidarity to assist others in need.
“It’s fantastic to work with all the Network Rail team innovatively employing one of their prestigious stations to spread some festive cheer for our homeless community.
‘This will be a fantastic fun day for our homeless friends that we will all hope could be replicated anywhere and everywhere.”
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