A Dundee restaurateur has vowed to help the city’s festive spirits by donating 200 turkey dinners to the Dundee Foodbank.
Ibrar Ibrahim, 51, was touched by the generosity and hard work of Scotland’s busiest foodbank in Dundee and decided to contribute.
Mr Ibrahim, originally from Hilltown, is the landlord of Goa Indian Restaurant in Broughty Ferry and asked the management for use of the kitchen and help from staff.
They were more than happy to.
The chef, along with Mr Ibrahim, is going to prepare 200 Christmas dinners on Christmas Eve. They will be collected by the Dundee Foodbank and distributed to Dundee’s homeless shelters the next day.
Mr Ibrahim said: “I really know what poverty is and it’s something very close to my heart. I went to Dens Road Primary and I’m from a poor part of town. I went to school with some of the people that won’t be able to afford to enjoy Christmas this year.
“It’s going to be absolute pandemonium on Christmas Eve as we will be serving customers as well.
“So we will be in work extra early. It’s going to be a long day, but if we can put just one smile on someone’s face, then it’s all worth it.”
Ken Linton, manager of the Dundee Foodbank, said: “It’s great to get a donation of this size and it will really help us feed the poorest people at a tough time of year.
“We’ll collect the meals, which will be turkey with all the trimmings, and they’re going to pack up in microwaveable takeaway containers. They’re easily reheatable and easy to distribute to various places on Christmas day.
“Everything helps but, to be honest it’s probably not even enough. Not to take away from the generosity.”
Mr Ibrahim, who now lives in Edinburgh, said: “I wish I could do more, there are just so many people who aren’t as fortunate as me, so many who are hungry. I want to help them smile for Christmas.”
He estimates dinner this year will cost him about £600 and plans to arrange for more restaurants to take part next year.
For Christmas, Mr Ibrahim wanted it kept traditional but said he would try to donate mild curries during the year to assist with the cause.