Akwaaba, Hackney’s social centre for migrants and refugees, is preparing a special Christmas meal for their community this Sunday. They raised more than £1,000 to buy most of the ingredients, and any funds left over will go toward their ongoing charity work.

“This year we want to make a real effort for Christmas – making sure that everyone gets a festive meal with all the trimmings,” they said in a statement. 

Based in Princess May Primary School in Stoke Newington, Akwaaba charity provide hot meals to over 150 people in the community every Sunday. This week, they will be serving a festive Christmas meal to the migrant community.

As well as providing food, the charity offers English courses, leisure activities and runs anti-racism campaigns.

“We believe that no-one is illegal. We are committed to actively opposing racism and all other forms of discrimination and oppression,” they said on their website.

During the pandemic, Akwaaba provided take-away hot meals in front of the school and at St Mary’s Secret Garden in Hoxton. They have also been delivering food parcels to those in isolation.