Former Capital student feeds the homeless

We are incredibly proud of former Capital student Usman Rashid and his outstanding charity work to support the homeless. On 31st May, Usman organised a dinner party with 80 people attending who enjoyed tucking into chicken biryani or lentil curry and rice, which was followed by a slice of cake and banana and washed down with a bottle of water.

Usman has since been travelling up the country offering the same to 1,000 people in need in cities including Luton, Birmingham and Manchester. Usman currently works for an asset management company and used his own money and asked family members and friends to volunteer alongside volunteers at the foodbank.

Reflecting on the event he said: "It was an awesome evening. I was overwhelmed by the smiles on their faces. Even the volunteers were excited to see others come in and serve food to those less fortunate.

"We are in a better place than others. We could have been in a similar situation as them. If I was there in that position, how I would feel if someone gave me a hot meal?"

Last year Usman also toured shelters and streets giving out more than 1,500 bags consisting of a container of chicken and rice, a banana and a bottle of water with a napkin and plastic spoon in each.

"This year we have changed the way of working a little and served the meals in homeless day centres and food banks across the country," he said. "Although when we got out of London, JD sports gave us 80 bags which we filled for the homeless with necessities."

Usman hopes to be able to offer a hot meal monthly in Brent in the future.

"In the month of Ramadan we gain more rewards by giving to charity. I want to show awareness to others of what we are doing, open their eyes and do the same, follow in our footsteps, maybe by giving back to the community like we do."