VOLUNTEERS and supporters came together this week to celebrate the birthday of a charity that feeds homeless people in Oxford.

Headington resident Shabnam Sabir began the Oxford Homeless Project three years ago after giving out dishes to the city’s homeless during Ramadan, the annual month of fasting observed by Muslims.

In the days that followed, Ms Sabir felt she could be doing more for those living out on the streets.

She rallied a team of volunteers together and created the charity, which now provides a fortnightly lunch on Mondays at the Asian Cultural Centre, off Manzil Way in East Oxford.

Three years on, the project feeds at least 50 homeless people, with around a dozen volunteers helping out a each meal.

Ms Sabir said: "It was fantastic to see everyone come together on Monday for a party at our regular meal, which was really about celebrating our volunteers and the different communities who have come together to support us."

She thanked in particular the Oxford Food Bank, which provides ingredients for the fortnightly meals from surplus supermarket stock.

Ms Sabir also said she was pleased to see so many students volunteering with the charity.

Staff and students at EMBS Community College, in Banbury, decorated the centre ahead of the special meal this week and King Alfred's School in Wantage helped at the event.

She added local businesses had also been 'incredibly supportive' with Parry’s Pantry donating a special anniversary cake for the charity, and Happy Cakes baking more than 100 cupcakes with the Oxford Homeless Projects logo on them for free.

Ahead of the celebration meal, Ms Sabir went out to meet those the charity helps to make sure they were also in attendance, spending almost four hours talking with homeless people.

Writing on Facebook, she said: “It’s been a while since I’ve been walking and talking to our friends in need and I have to say I have missed doing that.

“I sat with many people, old faces and new faces. I heard some heartwarming stories and some heartbreaking stories.”

The mother-of-four added: “One thing I did notice though is three years on the homeless people on the streets are still the same, so courteous and kind.

“They are so full of gratitude and warmth. And it only makes me want to do more for them.

“Not one of them deserves to be in that state. Not one of them should have to suffer and struggle on the streets. Not one of them should live in despair. Not one single one of them, and until they’re not all taken care of our work continues.”

For more information about the charity search Facebook for Oxford Homeless Project.