The announcement today that more than £2 million has been donated to this newspaper’s Christmas charity appeal in support of Centrepoint and the homeless is a wonderful early present for those unfortunate enough to be facing the prospect of having no roof under which to shelter. The money, given so generously by people eager to make their contribution, will help to fund Centrepoint’s new Young and Homeless Helpline, which is being launched by Prince William and which will provide rapid emergency help to young people in danger of being forced to sleep out.
The aim is to assist those who for reasons such as family breakdown, debt, mental illness or addiction are in danger of losing control of their lives before the impact of their troubles becomes so severe that they end up on the streets. Quite simply, every penny of the £2 million that has been generated so far by our appeal will help to break a cycle that might otherwise lead to months or even years of homelessness and the misery and ill-health which can often accompany it.
It is estimated that as many as 150,000 young people a year could benefit from such specialist help and be saved, as the Prime Minister said this week while praising the “vital work” that our appeal will pay for, from “the injustice of rough sleeping”. We too salute our readers’ efforts. Their money will change lives for ever.
London’s attractions
Today's news that the fast-growing retailer Lululemon is to open a major store on Regent Street next month to sell its popular brand of yoga, running and other sportswear is a fresh indication that a strong presence in London remains a must for the world’s most successful businesses. Fans of the Canadian company’s “athleisure” clothing include Kim Kardashian, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Cameron Diaz, and its new store, spread over two storeys, appears certain to become popular with Londoners wanting to emulate the look of the stars and bring an added buzz to Regent Street, which is already flourishing on the back of a continuing £1 billion investment programme.
At the same time, the three-star Michelin chef Anne-Sophie Pic also admits today that she is “afraid” to be opening her first London restaurant, Le Dame de Pic London at Tower Hill, because the competition in the capital’s thriving dining scene is so fierce. Ms Pic, whose reputation was established at her existing Parisian restaurant, says the variety of cultures and the fact that in London “people’s minds are open, more than anywhere else” is behind this city’s vitality and that there is “so much on offer” as a result. Her worlds are prescient and highlight the attributes which can help London thrive as this country moves towards a post-Brexit future outside the European Union. Challenges undoubtedly lie ahead. But the arrival of flagship establishments such as Lululemon and Ms Pic’s new restaurant shows that London can enter the new year with optimism.
Happy Christmas to all
Many of our readers will be beginning their festive break this weekend, while others will already be taking the opportunity of early days off to relax and spend time with their family and friends. For all, the forecast of temperatures well into double figures on Christmas Day offers the pleasing prospect of a chance to enjoy this city at a quiet and happy time. This newspaper too will be taking its own break and pausing publication until January 3. Until then, we wish all our readers a very merry Christmas and a happy 2017.
