Order Now
SOCIAL IMPACT

The Christmas Project: Feeding Dublin's Homeless Since 2015

Every Christmas Eve, while most of Dublin settles in for the festive season, a small team from O’Desi Meals heads out into the city streets. Their mission is simple but powerful: share warmth, food, and human connection with those who need it most.

How It All Started

It was Christmas Eve 2015 when Anubhav, the founder of O’Desi Meals, was walking through Dublin’s city centre. He noticed a homeless man sitting alone in the cold. Without thinking twice, he shared a warm meal. That single act of kindness sparked something that would grow into an annual tradition.

What started as one person sharing food has grown into a coordinated effort involving friends, family, and the wider O’Desi Meals community. Every year, the team prepares home-cooked meals and assembles care packages for distribution on Christmas Eve and Christmas Night.

What We Distribute

Each gift pack is carefully put together with items that provide real comfort during the coldest nights of the year:

  • Hot home-cooked meals — freshly prepared Indian food, made with the same care as our regular tiffin service
  • Warm beanies and gloves — essential protection against Dublin’s winter chill
  • Thermal socks — often the most requested item by rough sleepers
  • Dental hygiene kits — toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash
  • Moisturisers and lip balm — skin protection for harsh weather exposure

More Than Just a Meal

The Christmas Project has never been just about distributing food and supplies. It’s about the conversations, the eye contact, and the simple act of saying, “You are not forgotten.”

Many of the people the team meets have been on the streets for months or years. Some haven’t had a proper conversation in days. The few minutes spent chatting over a warm meal can mean more than any material gift.

Growing Every Year

Since 2015, the Christmas Project has grown steadily. What began as a solo effort now involves a dedicated team and generous contributions from the O’Desi Meals community. Every meal ordered through the tiffin service throughout the year contributes to making the Christmas Project possible.

The homelessness crisis in Ireland remains a pressing concern. While the Christmas Project is a small contribution, it represents O’Desi Meals’ commitment to using food as a bridge to human connection and community support.

How You Can Help

Supporting the Christmas Project is as simple as ordering your next meal from O’Desi Meals. 100% of operating profits go directly to initiatives like this. You can also follow @odesi_meals on Instagram to stay updated on our next distribution drive and volunteer opportunities.