Left to right; Tony Gale, Catherine West MP, DJ Spoony, Les Strong, Gladstone Small, George Sifonios

Martin Stone of Muswell Hills Soup Kitchen unveiled the new Next Meal electric van which will be helping to deliver meals to the homeless and in need during the pandemic and extend the efforts of the Soup Kitchen.

The local community in Muswell Hill and beyond were able to raise nearly £60,000 in just six weeks to fund the van.

One of the founders of David Astburys Estate Agency in Crouch End, George Sifonios, was there on Saturday alongside Martin Stone, Tony Gale, Catherine West MP, DJ Spoony, ex-Fulham FC player Les Strong and former England cricketer Gladstone Small.

George Sifonios said: “We have been supporters of the Soup Kitchen for a few years, so when Martin Stone called me and asked me to be a part of this special day, I was honoured. I asked DJ Spoony to come and support and help raise awareness for this great initiative which will help reach many homeless people who don’t have access to hot meals as a result of the pandemic.”

The Muswell Hill Soup Kitchen, which is led by Martin Stone, provided food for those in need of a hot meal and was open seven days a week prior to the lockdown in March. The charity was forced to only provide meals by delivering them to those in need which was challenging without transportation.

George Sifonios added: “It is amazing that the community pulled together and raised the £60k needed for the electric van so quickly, it speaks to the giving spirit we have here in North London. David Astburys Estate Agency will continue to support the Soup Kitchen and Next Meal and any other charitable initiatives making an impact in the community we love.”