Boxing champion Amir Khan pays visit to homeless people at Crystal Palace Best Western during coronavirus pandemic
Homeless people got a surprise visit from former world boxing champion Amir Khan who handed out care parcels at their accommodation during the Covid-19 crisis.
The Best Western London Queen’s Hotel in Crystal Palace has been providing care and safe shelter for rough sleepers in conjunction with councils for nearly two months, helping them to isolate safely away from the pandemic.
Mr Khan heard about the hotel’s initiative and visited personally to deliver 140 care boxes to those temporarily housed at the hotel on behalf of his charity, the Amir Khan Foundation and Star People.
Mr Khan said: “When I heard about what The Queen’s Hotel was doing I wanted to come personally and show my support to the team and to those seeking shelter there.
“This pandemic is a battle for all of us, we are in this together and I’m definitely in Best Western’s corner cheering them on for how their hotels have helped Britain fight back against the virus.”
Rob Paterson, chief executive of Best Western Great Britain, said: “When the outbreak started, we made a decision early on that our hotels would try to be part of the national solution to Covid-19.
“The Queen’s Hotel exemplifies that commitment to help, working with local authorities to provide people with a safe place to sleep regardless of their circumstances.
“Our hotels are proudly part of their local communities and it’s great to see that has been recognised by Amir, the One Family team and the Al Rayan Bank.”
A spokeswoman for Southwark council said: “Southwark council welcomes the opportunity to accept these charitable donations on behalf of the more vulnerable members of our community. The gift of these parcels is most welcome.”
Al Rayan Bank, the UK’s oldest and largest Islamic Bank, sponsored the event to recognise the steps the Amir Foundation is taking to support homeless people at this time.
Pictured top: Amir Khan at the Best Western with hotel staff
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
