Included in the care packages were a variety of items such as Christmas decorations, mince pies, juice and selection boxes amongst many other products.
16:49, 26 Dec 2025
Zahid (middle) has made an effort to support his community over Christmas.(Image: )
A caring Edinburgh shopkeeper alongside his family and friends donated to a raft of schools, charities and homes this Christmas.
Zahid Iqbal, who owns the Premier in Muirhouse (known locally as Jasdas) as well as the Day Today in Drylaw, has been supporting various causes over the past few years at Christmas.
He was joined by Ahsin Javaid, Ahmad Javaid and Qaisar Rehman in providing care packages to another of locations including: Rowan Alba, Stepping Stones North Edinburgh, St David’s Nursery, Pirniehall Nursery, Royston Court Care Home, Oaklands School , Ferryhill Primary School, Craigroyston Primary School, Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre and LIFT.
Included in the care packages were a variety of items such as Christmas decorations, milk, bread, mince pies, juice and selection boxes amongst many other products.
The loving group also sent out care packages on Christmas day for those experiencing poverty or loneliness in their local community. Zahid said his aim is for no one to feel forgotten when they are down on their luck or feeling isolated.
“My motivation has always come from a simple belief: no one should feel forgotten or unsupported,” he said. “I’ve seen firsthand how difficult life can be for people experiencing homelessness, for older individuals who may feel isolated, and for those who are struggling just to meet basic needs.
Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
“Those experiences stayed with me and pushed me to act. I realized that even small acts of generosity can restore dignity, hope, and a sense of belonging, and that’s what inspired me to start giving back.
“It’s important to me because these challenges don’t disappear overnight. Consistent support matters. Over the years, donating to homeless shelters, care homes for the elderly, and people in need has become a responsibility I take seriously.
“It’s not just about giving money; it’s about standing by communities and individuals over time. Knowing that my contributions can help provide warmth, care, and comfort makes it deeply meaningful, and it reminds me that we all have a role to play in looking after one another.
“I don’t see this as something extraordinary—it’s simply about compassion and humanity. If my actions can inspire others to give, volunteer, or even just show kindness, then that’s the greatest impact of all. Real change happens when we come together, and I hope my story encourages people to believe that helping others, in any way they can, truly makes a difference.”
Zahid and his family and friends described being blown away by the reaction and added they hope their generosity can inspire others to step forward and support others who are struggling in a time of need.
“The reaction was incredibly emotional and humbling,” he added. “Many of them were overwhelmed — some smiled, some cried, and others simply said ‘thank you’ in a way that spoke louder than words ever could.
“For people who are often overlooked, knowing that someone cares made a huge difference. You could see the relief and gratitude in their faces, and in that moment it became clear that it wasn’t just about the donation, but about feeling seen and valued.
Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
“For the staff at the care homes and shelters, the reaction was equally powerful. They expressed deep appreciation, explaining how much these contributions mean to the people they support every day. It reminded me that kindness travels far beyond one person — it touches entire communities.
“That reaction stays with me. It’s something I carry in my heart and it’s the reason I continue to do this. Seeing hope, even briefly, return to someone’s eyes is something I will never forget.”
You can visit their social media page here.