There are a whopping 8,000 people who are homeless in England's capital every year, according to Streets of London. That is an incredible number of bodies who have to brave the intensifying British winter every single day and night.
Naturally, Christmas Day might be a difficult one on the calendar for these displaced people as it's usually a family orientated event. While most people around the world will be gathering around a table full of food, these homeless people will be begging on the streets to piece together enough small change together for a simple snack.
Credit: PA
But the good people at Network Rail have announced plans to help a small portion of those sleeping rough. London's Euston Station will be transformed to house 200 people for the day - where they'll be treated to a traditional Christmas dinner.
Network Rail's Steve Naybour says: "Working on Christmas Day is pretty much par for the course for many of us who work for Network Rail, but this year, because I wasn't scheduled to work, myself and a handful of colleagues came up with this plan to feed some of London's homeless instead.
"St Mungo's and Streets Kitchen have been fantastic. And I'm proud to say we've had lots of interest from Network Rail colleagues to volunteer to come along on the day to help out.
Credit: PA
Credit: PA
"All of this is possible due to great support from the station team, British Transport Police (BTP) and local and national suppliers including the Pret Foundation Trust, Blacks outdoor clothing, Virgin Trains and Abellio - they've been amazing in making this event happen."
Thirty Network Rail volunteers have kindly offered to give up their plans for the festive holiday to instead spend it helping set up the makeshift homeless shelter. The government department has partnered up with homelessness charity St Mungo's and Streets Kitchen, who support and feed thousands of people across England every night.
Euston station manager Joe Hendry adds: "Stations are at the heart of local communities and we want to provide a legacy through good relationships with organisations like St Mungo's and Streets Kitchen that supports the homeless community in and around our station long after the buzz of Christmas has died down."
The small offer will likely go a long way in cheering up people who don't have much to look forward to when they wake up. Not only will their spirits be lifted - but they'll also get a decent meal out of it as well.
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Sources: Network Rail, Streets of London
Topics: Christmas, UK News, Awesome, News, Inspirational, Train, UK, Homelessness, Homeless, London