Hanover is celebrating: 555 festive meals for those in need on Christmas Eve!

Hanover is celebrating: 555 festive meals for those in need on Christmas Eve!

Christmas Eve in Hanover was also a day of charity this year. The now sixth edition of Hannover 96's FESTaurant campaign ensured that hundreds of those in need were able to enjoy a festive meal. This special initiative aims to bring joy to the homeless and other needy people in the city and to give them a festive occasion that they often cannot experience. Since it was founded in 2020, the campaign has constantly developed and took place this year on December 16th, for the first time in the Heinz von Heiden Arena and for the first time also for volunteers.

Under the motto “You nominate – the team serves”, 96 volunteer fans were invited to the event. This shows how important the community is in Hanover and how much commitment there is here. This year, too, numerous Hannover 96 partners were involved in the campaign. Rodizio Baumhaus, the Handelshof and the barbecue influencer Tina made a significant contribution to ensuring that 200 festive meals were delivered to various social institutions on Christmas Eve, including the Johanniter accident aid and the Homeless Care Project. Hannover 96 played a crucial role in establishing the necessary contacts for this valuable campaign.

Together for those in need

This year's campaign was part of a larger initiative that also includes a large number of restaurants in Hanover. A total of 555 meals were distributed on Christmas Eve to ensure that everyone in Hanover, including those less fortunate, could enjoy a festive meal. The menu included a hearty goose leg on saffron rice, apple-orange-red cabbage, salad and, as a dessert, rice pudding. The handover of food, which took place in the emergency shelter at the old airport run by the German Red Cross, received particular attention. Here, 80 hot dishes were prepared by important personalities such as Alp Arslan from “bona’me”, Juri Sladkov from 96plus and Dr. Christian rosary distributed by Clarios.

It was the happy faces of the recipients that made the event unforgettable. Yuri Sladkov reported on the joy and surprise of the people reached by the campaign. This kind of help is not only appreciated, but also needed, and 96plus, Hannover 96's social initiative, is supporting local restaurateurs with 10 euros per dish for the campaign. Numerous restaurants took part, including Verena Schindler from “11a”, Frederick Schäfer from “Rodizio”, Wienerwald Hannover, Panover, romo food family, Gaststätte Ohne Worten, Amaro and Land of Pizza.

A look into the future

The FESTaurant campaign has proven to be enormously helpful for the local community and is set to continue next year. By promoting projects for diversity, sustainability and social commitment, Hannover 96 shows that community cohesion is very important in the city. This campaign also raises awareness of social issues and promotes engagement among the population. Not only did they ensure a festive meal, but they also helped to keep the spirit of Christmas alive in Hanover.

Further information about the ongoing social projects and the FESTaurant campaign can be found on the website Hannover 96, Langenhagen News and Free kitchen.