Those using the initiative can get a warm meal by saying “I’m a friend of Dorothy”, “Dorothy sent me”, or even just “Dorothy”
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY DELIVEROO
Deliveroo has joined forces with 10 restaurant sites in London, Brighton, and Bristol and LGBTQIA youth homelessness charity Albert Kennedy Trust to provide thousands of free meals to those who find themselves in a homeless or vulnerable situation. For customers using this initiative, all they have to say is “I’m a friend of Dorothy”, “Dorothy sent me”, or even just “Dorothy” to receive a free, warm meal. No questions asked.
Lea Duchemin, co-lead of Deliveroo’s LGBTQIA Network, Deloveroo, said: “Deliveroo is a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community, all year round. The move towards supporting the homeless and vulnerable people comes following the shocking numbers and terribly sad situations a number of LGBTQ+ people are finding themselves in. Food is what we do best and helping feed people at their most vulnerable, in a supportive and safe space, and directing them towards vital information, could be a much needed lifeline.”
This new project follows data from the Albert Kennedy Trust charity which revealed that 24% of homeless people identify as LGBTQIA. In addition to a warm meal, customers using this initiative will receive information on how they can receive assistance via the Albert Kennedy Trust charity.
Tim Spoor, CEO of the Albert Kennedy Trust, said: “LGBTQIA young people are at an increased risk of homelessness and housing insecurity. We know that more than 24% of young people experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQ+. In 2023, LGBTQ+ young people are still facing homelessness because of their sexuality and gender identity, and the cost of living crisis is pushing more young people into homelessness. This Deliveroo initiative will help provide food to LGBTQ+ young people struggling to afford the day-to-day essentials that we take for granted.”
Five LGBTQIA owned restaurants including The Athenian, Club Mexicana, Smashing Plates, Tonkotsu, and Bleecker Burger are the first to sign up to the initiative which is being funded by Deliveroo.
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