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Berlin’s Christmas Eve charity drive feeds and warms hundreds in need

One man’s mission to feed the homeless turned into a citywide effort. Now, Berlin’s volunteers are turning Christmas kindness into year-round action.

In this picture there are people standing here and some of them are sitting and having their meal...
In this picture there are people standing here and some of them are sitting and having their meal and there is the name board here and food pictures on the wall

"Nobody eats alone" - Food stalls distribute free food - Berlin’s Christmas Eve charity drive feeds and warms hundreds in need

A Berlin charity initiative brought warmth and food to hundreds on Christmas Eve. At Leopoldplatz, Hakan Mamout-Oglou, owner of Fly Döner in Reinickendorf, launched the effort. Inspired by entertainer Frank Zander’s charity work, he wanted to do more than just feed people—he aimed to connect with them. The original plan was to hand out döner kebabs, but permit restrictions forced a last-minute switch to Turkish home-style dishes and drinks. Around 400 people received warm meals on Christmas Eve. Mamout-Oglou’s family and nearby kebab shops joined in, preparing hundreds of portions. The initiative didn’t stop at food; volunteers also distributed clothes and provided simple healthcare. The success has prompted plans to expand. Organisers hope to restart the effort in the coming weeks, ensuring regular support for Berlin’s homeless and vulnerable. The No One Eats Alone campaign combined food, company, and practical aid for hundreds on Christmas. With local businesses and volunteers involved, the project is set to continue beyond the holiday season. Future events will build on this model of community support and direct assistance.

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