For over 9 years, Sufra have been spending Christmas Day not just with our loved ones, but with our neighbours from all over North West London. Anyone who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day can come to Sufra and share a meal with their community.

In my family, there was always a tradition to prepare a spare place at the table, in case someone in need comes knocking at your door. At Sufra - we save 200 spaces (and arrange transport too!)

This year, our whole community really banded together to make Christmas 2025 one to remember. From donations from local businesses to volunteers and guests offering to clear up, it was heart-warming to see everyone roll up their sleeves to make the holidays a joy for all.

198 Christmas Dinners

including a pumpkin and sage soup with bread to start, a delicious Christmas Dinner with a garlic and lemon roasted leg of chicken (or quorn roast for the veggie-lovers) with sides including: roast potatoes, honey roast veggies, braised red cabbage, crispy sprout salad, stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce, (*breath*) and a sticky toffee pudding with cream for dessert.

53 Volunteers and 6 Staff

decorating the space, peeling carrots and potatoes, driving all guests there and back (shoutout to Maria for securing the minivan!), serenading our guests, handing out presents and helping with an epic clean-up.

Toys from McConnells

A huge thank you to McConnells for donating presents (and £500!). We mainly invited guests with single parent families to join us on Christmas, and these gifts sure kept the kiddos busy as their parents got to socialising.

Music from Bill Thorp and Josie Abbott

Shoutout to our long-term driving volunteer Bill and his wife Josie for the amazing Christmas carols on the violin and chello. Bill and Josie have played with orchestras all over the world, from Italy to Switzerland - what a joy to have them in Wembley.

Handmade Cards from InCommon

InCommon are a group who run monthly intergenerational workshops at Grand Union Community Hub, and as part of the programme they organised a community action to support local people and charities in December. They handmade and wrote lovely messages for our guests in all of the cards.

Sweets and Snacks from Wembley Convenience Store

Local business Wembley Convenience Store on Harrow Road donated snacks, sweets and water on the day - as well as wine and soft drinks for our hard working volunteers!

Kitchen and Canteen at Ark Elvin Academy

Our partnership with Ark Elvin Academy is very special to us. Located in the heart of the community, the local secondary school opened their doors on Christmas day to allow the whole thing to be possible.

Sponsorship by Beta Charitable Trust

A huge thank you to Beta Charitable Trust for sponsoring the day. You wouldn't believe how much it costs to buy enough potatoes for 200 people! A huge thank you as well to our new Santa - Chair of Trustees Ashraf Mohammed (apologies for the children pulling the beard off, promise it won't happen again, lol!)

Thank you to everyone for joining! See you next year!