Takeaway owner donates 1,000 Christmas gifts from every order

A takeaway owner delivered 1,000 gifts to children across his city this Christmas after donating a pound from every order at Sizzlers Fastfood. Arfan Mohammed said the generosity was meant to bring joy to youngsters who might not receive presents otherwise and that the effort relied on support from local businesses and families.

Local schools and families were identified as recipients, including pupils at Our Lady and St Benedict Academy. The gifts were collected through the initiative and through additional donations from other businesses in the area. Mohammed said, "To see the smile on the faces of them children beats any challenge really. It's priceless."

In addition to the gift drive, Mohammed also delivers food parcels to the elderly and vulnerable in the community. He has previously organized a charity football match to support the families of the Southport knife attack victims after being approached by a friend of Leanne Lucas, a dance teacher injured in the attacks.

Speaking about the motivation behind the effort, Mohammed said the community means a lot to him and that many people are struggling. "This community means a lot to me and a lot of them are struggling."

The drive illustrates how small, locally owned businesses can mobilize neighbourhood networks to support vulnerable residents during the holidays, offering a model for civic philanthropy in times of economic stress.