Cancelled buffet feeds city's homeless

Organisers were determined not to let the buffet go to waste and donated it all to Leeds-based charity Simon and the Streets.

Scheduled to take place at the offices of DWF Solicitors at Bridgewater Place in Leeds, the meeting would have brought together representatives from Leeds Community Foundation - the grants charity helping distribute money raised from the Yorkshire Post Christmas Appeal - as well as individuals and businesses involved in fundraising and volunteering.

Simon on the Streets director Clive Sandle was due to be present and was asked if he could distribute the food, which included rump steaks, king prawn blinis and smoked salmon. Within hours it was being shared with homeless people and rough sleepers across the city.

Leeds Community Foundation chief executive Sally Anne Greenfield said: "I cannot imagine what it is like being street homeless at this time of year, given the freezing temperatures that we are all experiencing.

"We really admire the dedication of the staff and volunteers of Simon on the Streets and the fantastic work that they do in turning people's lives around."

Mr Sandle said: "We aim to offer the necessary support to encourage people to access the services they desperately need to begin to make some positive changes in their lives."

Tyrone Jones, head of values at DWF said: "We were delighted that the food did not go to waste."