The event took place this week at Street Connect Hub and was run in partnership with Street Connect, a Glasgow-based charity that works to help marginalised and disadvantaged people in society.

Global Sharing Week, which runs from June 4-11, is the largest people-driven campaign helping people discover the sharing economy. Celebrating the impact of sharing food with one another, staff members and volunteers from Bethany Christian Trust hosted a dinner party for people living on the streets and those who use Bethany’s services around the city, many of whom are connected through the charity’s recovery and resettlement services. The food was generously donated by Fair Share, which takes surplus food and distributes it throughout the country to those in greatest need.

Edinburgh-based Bethany are no strangers to cooking for large numbers of people, having prepared hot meals for over 700 men and women who are homeless in Edinburgh over a 28 week period last winter. The charity hosted last night’s dining experience in the hopes that it would inspire others to share resources with people who are in need.

Commenting on the event, Chris Gordon, community support manager (West) at Bethany Christian Trust, said: “Last night’s event was a great opportunity to share what we have in abundance with those who are less fortunate. Sharing time with one another over a delicious meal is what we at Bethany are all about - meeting people’s needs exactly where they are and treating others with dignity and respect.”

Ricky McCaddock, co-founder and director of Street Connect, said: “Sharing food is such a simple thing to do but it makes a tremendous impact. Some of the people who attended last night’s banquet have gone through some hard times and were connected to us through Bethany’s recovery and resettlement services. Serving them a delicious meal, free of charge, is one of the small ways we can show kindness and help restore human dignity to people who have so little.”

Established in 1983, Bethany Christian Trust supports over 7,000 people across Scotland. The charity’s services focus on preventing homelessness as well as alleviating the suffering of people who are homeless.