Coronavirus: Peterborough restaurant owner delivers 500 meals to the most vulnerable - and he isn’t stopping there

Forming the Zi Foundation five years ago, Zillur Hussain and Ivelina Banyalieva wanted to make a difference to their communities. As coronavirus has affected food supplies for the vulnerable and the homeless, Zillur wanted to help where he and his foundation could.

In a week he has delivered more than 500 meals from his Turkish-Moroccan restaurant Tavan in Lincoln Road to the most vulnerable in the community. Zillur, who has concerns with his own relatives, wants to help those who may not have loved ones around.

He said: “We should all do more. I have an older mother and father so I want to help people who can’t get out.” Not stopping there, he and the foundation also delivered antibacterial hand sanitiser to the homeless across Peterborough and Huntingdon.

When delivering some of his meals he noticed how happy people were to see that ‘people care for them’.

Zillur wants to continue to help whoever he can, however he can. He said: “People should share if they need help, come forward. We make a living by what we get but make a life by what we give.”

MP for Peterborough Paul Bristow said: “The Zi Foundation is making a typically kind and crucial difference for my city. They make me proud of Peterborough and I will do everything I can to publicise their generosity so many vulnerable and socially isolated people can benefit.

“We will get through this but we all need to pull together, look out for one another and follow government advice.”

Zillur will be donating meals for as long as he can. If you are unable to get out for meals or know of anyone who is in a vulnerable position, contact Zillur at: [email protected].