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Frank Zander Hosts 31st Berlin Christmas Meal for 2,500 Homeless at Estrel Hotel

A Caritas-backed foundation now extends help beyond the hall through mobile care, a streetwork café, cold‑weather shelter.

Overview

  • About 2,500 guests attended the Dec. 22 feast in BerlinNeukölln, receiving roast goose, gift bags and live performances.
  • Organizers moved gift distribution to before the meal so attendees could keep items at their seats without queuing later.
  • Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner, former mayor Franziska Giffey, Brandenburg’s Dietmar Woidke, Gregor Gysi and other public figures served as volunteer waiters.
  • Invitations were issued via roughly 80 homelessness‑support organizations, with around 750 volunteer applicants leading to a lottery for helper slots.
  • On‑site support included free haircuts plus sleeping bags, hygiene items and pet food, while the Zander–Caritas initiative funds a doctor mobile, an ambulance, a streetwork café and holiday cold‑weather services.