Before the coronavirus hit, Welcome Presents hosted film and food events for refugees and local communities. They were a great success and allowed us to create jobs for six female chefs, some refugees themselves. But not only that: They made a real difference in connecting refugees to local communities here in London.

In our three years of activity, we served about 1,200 free meals to refugees, created ten jobs for female chefs over the years and were able to connect 2,400 people, battling loneliness of Londoners and refugees alike.

Right now, our events would help our Welcome Presents family more than ever. But they usually take place indoors, and we can’t risk our community’s health - refugees are one of the most vulnerable groups to contract Covid-19.

So we came up with a plan. A food truck would allow us to meet our community outdoors - socially distanced, safe and independent from lockdown rules. We would be able to take our spirit of film, food and friendship all around London’s refugee centres, food markets and everywhere our food is appreciated. The food truck would allow us to save six chef’s jobs, continue our work that has brought joy and new friendships to so many - and to get cooking again!

You probably see how the food truck would be a real game-changer for us. But a big chunk of our funding came from ticket sales - and our offline events are put on hold currently. So this December, we ask for your help to keep going.

If you want to support us in saving our six chef’s jobs and keeping our crucially needed community work going:

- Please donate to this fundraiser and help to make the food truck a reality.

- Both one-time and monthly contributions are welcome, and the smallest amount is helpful.

- Please share this link to everybody you know who would support our work.

- Please interact on Facebook and Instagram (@welcomepresents) and help us spread the word.

Let’s make it happen - we’d love to welcome you at the food truck soon!