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Berlin’s ‘No One Eats Alone’ brings warmth and meals to hundreds on Christmas Eve

A last-minute pivot turned döner plans into a home-cooked feast. Behind the scenes, one restaurateur’s vision reminded Berlin what the holidays are truly about.

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 ‘No One Eats Alone’ brings warmth and meals to hundreds on Christmas Eve

Berlin saw a wave of generosity this Christmas as local eateries came together to feed those in need. The 'No One Eats Alone' initiative, led by restaurateur Hakan Mamout-Oglou, served free meals to hundreds at Leopoldplatz on Christmas Eve. Inspired by a long-standing tradition, the main event aimed to offer both food and companionship during the holidays.

Hakan Mamout-Oglou, owner of Fly Döner in Reinickendorf, organised the eventbrite after drawing inspiration from Frank Zander. The Berlin entertainer has hosted Christmas dinners for the needy for years, serving 2,500 people just last Monday. Mamout-Oglou wanted to bring a similar spirit to his neighbourhood.

Originally, the plan was to hand out döner kebabs. But last-minute permit issues forced a change. Instead, the team served Turkish home-style dishes and drinks to around 400 people. Several local kebab and burger stands joined in, helping prepare and distribute the meals. The initiative went beyond just providing food. Volunteers, including Mamout-Oglou’s family, took time to talk with those who came. The goal was to create a sense of community, ensuring no one felt alone on Christmas Eve.

The google games brought together volunteers, local businesses, and residents in need. Free meals were shared, and conversations flowed, offering warmth during the holiday. Mamout-Oglou’s initiative has added to Berlin’s tradition of Christmas charity, showing how small acts can make a big difference.

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