Paddington companies spread cheer at Christmas

Over the course of December, Paddington companies have come together through the Paddington Community Programme to support the local community and spread some festive cheer.

Christmas festivities kicked off with a thoughtful donation of coats from Costain Skanska JV to West London Mission. Costain Skanska also cooked up a tasty Christmas Lunch for families at Bayswater Families Centre. With food forming such a huge part of how we celebrate Christmas and the festive season, local businesses ensured this could be something that was also shared with the local community. 16 eager volunteers from Vodafone's legal team then put on a fantastic Christmas Lunch for the residents and volunteers of The Marylebone Project. With handmade bunting, tinsel and Christmas crackers to decorate together with turkey, roast potatoes and Christmas pudding on the festive menu, it was a real treat for all those who attended.

A team of six from Heathrow Express spent a day at St Mungo's Harrow Road, learning about the work of the centre, spending time with the clients and cooking them a lovely lunch. Similarly, eight Volunteers from the Network Rail Crossrail Project supported the staff at The Marylebone Project throw their Christmas party for all residents.

The food theme continued with Kingfisher PLC, who put together some fabulous hampers for people who will be using North Paddington Food Bank over the Christmas period. Packed with goodies and treats that may otherwise be forgotten during difficult times, the hampers were really appreciated by the Food Bank.

Paddington Central quite literally brought Christmas to Paddington with the help of Santa, his elves and reindeer, much to the delight of local schoolchildren. They also supported PIP who put on a musical Christmas fundraising session (below) in Sheldon Square.

The donations continued coming in from Visa Europe, Marks & Spencer and Statoil, who all donated stocking essentials such as socks, t-shirts and toiletries as well as teddy bears and toys for West London Mission, Bayswater Families Centre and North Paddington Food Bank.