The traditional Christmas Lunch of Love was held by the Municipality of Athens, through the Centre for Reception and Solidarity (KYADA), sending a strong message of solidarity and social cohesion.

On December 25, a total of 1,300 portions of traditional festive meals were offered to homeless and economically vulnerable citizens at the Rouf Indoor Basketball Stadium, in the presence of the Mayor of Athens, Haris Dukas.

In his statement, Mayor Haris Dukas noted:
“Christmas reminds us that some of our fellow citizens are unable to enjoy what many of us take for granted—a warm meal and a friendly conversation. Today, through our Lunch of Love, we offered meals to 1,300 homeless and economically vulnerable citizens, reaffirming our commitment that no one in our city is alone and no one is invisible. The Municipality of Athens works systematically to protect and uphold the dignity of people experiencing homelessness. Every day, we provide food to 800 people, while approximately 1,400 people living on the streets are actively supported by our Street Work teams. At the same time, 200 people find safe shelter daily at the Municipality’s Multipurpose Homeless Centre. Athens is, and will remain, a city of humanity, care, and solidarity.”

The President of KYADA, Mina Fountzoula, emphasized:
“This Christmas as well, we stand by the city’s vulnerable population groups. Through the Citizens’ Help Hub, we distribute festive sweets and gifts daily to our beneficiary families, in addition to our standard support packages. The Lunch of Love, which marks the culmination of this broader effort, aims to spread warmth and hope and to stand like a family beside every fellow citizen in need of support.”

The Christmas Lunch of Love was attended by residents of the city’s shelters as well as people experiencing homelessness. Special arrangements were made to ensure the safe transportation of guests to and from the venue.

According to the Municipality, the event was supported by the Organization of Culture, Sports, and Youth of the Municipality of Athens (OPANDA), which provided music with the presence of a DJ, while the Municipal Police ensured the smooth and orderly conduct of the event.

It is also noted that throughout the festive period, KYADA will offer a total of more than 2,600 “meals of love”, generously sponsored by Lidl Hellas. Of these, 1,300 meals were served on December 25 at the Rouf Indoor Basketball Stadium, 668 meals will be distributed on December 26 by Pietris Catering to KYADA, the Multipurpose Homeless Centre, the Athens Centre, and MY ATHENS, and a further 638 meals will be distributed on New Year’s Day to the same facilities.

The Municipality of Athens expressed its sincere thanks to all supporters of KYADA’s work who contributed to the success of the Christmas 2025 festive initiatives.