An award-winning Northampton restaurant is launching a Ramadan charity initiative that will provide free hot meals to people experiencing homelessness in the town.

Saffron restaurant in Castilian Street will hand out complimentary takeaway curries from 5pm on Monday 16 March. The Ramadan charity effort aims to support vulnerable residents while marking one of the most significant periods in the Muslim calendar.

Naz Islam, owner of Saffron, said the initiative reflects the values of generosity and community support associated with Ramadan.

“Supporting the most vulnerable members of our society is a priority for us throughout the year, but it feels particularly important during Ramadan,” said Naz.

“Ramadan is widely recognised as a time of giving. While people know it for fasting from dawn to sunset, it is also about reflection, community and charity. For example, many people focus on feeding those in need and supporting their local communities.”

As a result, the Northampton restaurant has decided to repeat a similar initiative it organised over the festive period.

Naz explained that the response to previous charity meals inspired the team to run the event again. “We saw the positive impact when we invited members of the homeless community to join us for meals over Christmas and New Year,” he said.

“Therefore, we wanted to do something similar during Ramadan so people can enjoy a hot meal and feel supported.”

Saffron has built a strong reputation within Northampton’s hospitality sector and the local community. In addition to running the restaurant, Naz has received national and local recognition for his charitable work.

For instance, he has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London for his philanthropy and received a British Citizens Award for his fundraising efforts. Meanwhile, the Mayor of Northampton previously presented him with a Certificate for Outstanding Community Contribution.

Naz has also helped raise more than £100,000 for local charities. Additionally, he and his family established a school and orphanage in one of the poorest areas of Bangladesh.

Through initiatives such as the Ramadan charity meal programme, the Saffron team hopes to continue supporting people both locally and internationally.

Naz said: “Restaurants are part of their communities. If we can help people even in a small way, it is something we are proud to do.”