It’s been proven once more: our audiences are the best.
We certainly felt the love when you got together to raise 7447 New Year’s Eve meals (or a cool €37235) for homeless people.
On 31 December, we were able to help 200 people for whom this time of year is often even more of a struggle. We report on a heart-warming New Year’s Eve:
Following a couple of weeks of intense preparation, staff from Hobo vzw and AB gathered in the backstage kitchen of AB on 30 December. They got cooking with the help of an army of over 20 volunteers (who prepared some delectable dishes at home).
One day and several kilos of butter later, around 200 luxury packed meals were ready for distribution. The sumptuous menu included pumpkin soup, a chicken and scampi satay skewer, grilled vegetables, samosa, kofta balls, salmon sashimi, tabouleh, homemade sauces, a delicious dessert and an alcohol-free cocktail made using homemade strawberry syrup.
The packs were neatly divided up: some for collection from AB and some for delivery to a number of aid organisations. The last fifty packs were delivered by bicycle and car to people all over Brussels. ‘After all, meaningful contact between people is just as important as the meal,’ says Margo from Hobo vzw, bicycle courier on the day.
‘Some of my colleagues are still busy putting the finishing touches to the festive meals in the AB kitchen. After a slight delay, we jump on our bikes, each team taking a different route. My team is delivering meals in Sint-Gilles and Vorst.
People grin from ear to ear when they receive their packs. When we call on M., he greets us dressed as Father Christmas and lavishes us with stories. He is so enthusiastic about our visit that he almost leaves his pack on the pavement. Happy faces everywhere! It’s amazing that we have been able to do this for these people on the last day of the year.’
In total, Hobo reached approximately 400 people living with homelessness during this period, thanks to the support of AB audiences. From everyone at AB and Hobo vzw: Thank you!
