GRORUDALEN’S HELPER: Habib Tahir opens the Ammerud Club for anyone who needs it every Christmas Eve. Photo: Subair Yusuf Ahmed/Private
Habib Tahir has turned the Ammerud club into a warm Christmas home for anyone who might need it.
Published:
Less than 20 minutes ago
On Christmas Eve this year, over 200 people have gathered at the Ammerud Club.
It all started on Christmas Eve 16 years ago.
– A boy called me and asked if we could open the leisure club in the evening on Christmas Eve, says Habib Tahir.
He is head of the youth service in the Grorud district in Oslo.
Tahir asked if the boy would rather be at home with his family, instead of being at the club.
– He said that he was not feeling well at home and that he wanted to be somewhere else. I took that very seriously and decided to do something, says Tahir.
And now there is a party at the Ammerudklubben again this year.
CHRISTMAS: Everyone of all ages is welcome at the Ammerudklubben. Photo: Subair Yusuf Ahmed/Private
Many people and good atmosphere
On Christmas Eve this year, 17 volunteers are present to help with what is needed in terms of food and activities.
– We enjoy eating, doing activities and there is a good atmosphere, says Tahir on the phone with VG.
– At the celebration today, we have people from all countries with us. Christmas Eve is for everyone, says Tahir.
With him is a 19-year-old Subair Yusuf Ahmed, who calls himself a Romsås boy.
– It’s the first time I’ve been here this year. I saw a lot of pictures from last year and had high hopes, he says.
The evening has not disappointed so far.
– Everyone is together, family, friends and individuals, he says.
Today, he helps keep the activities going, with additional responsibility for the music and sound.
– What kind of music are you playing at the club tonight?
– Norwegian Christmas music, to bring up the Christmas spirit, he says to VG.
DJ: Subair Yusuf Ahmed ensures that Norwegian Christmas music is played at the event tonight. Photo: Subair Yusuf Ahmed/Private
– Colorful and diverse
Habib Tahir wanted to accommodate an offer for those who need a place to be on Christmas Eve.
– Two years later we managed to get it in place and it has grown quite a bit, says Tahir, who has worked with young people for 24 years.
Every year since 2009, Tahir, together with several volunteers, has opened the doors at the Ammerudklubben for everyone who wants to celebrate Christmas Eve there.
DIVERSITY: During last year’s celebration, the young people wrote down their background. Photo: Private
Ammerudklubben is located in Groruddalen in Oslo, which is a diverse area in Oslo.
– It is a very colorful and diverse event, which reflects the entire Groruddalen, says Tahir.
He says that it is very social. Food is served and the little ones get presents. And Santa comes to visit.
– Nice and rewarding
Habib Tahir himself has been to Ammerudklubben on Christmas Eve almost every year since they started, with the exception of one year.
– I think it’s very nice and very rewarding, says Tahir.
The family has supported him and the children have also taken part in the celebration as volunteers.
– It is nice to be able to contribute to so many people having a nice Christmas Eve. People really enjoy themselves, says Tahir.
Thair plans to continue with Christmas Eve at the Ammerud Club, which has become a tradition in Groruddalen.
Published:
Published: 24.12.23 at 20:23
2023-12-24 19:23:20
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