‘If you charge me, I’m going to bring 50 homeless people to eat the meal I’ve paid for’

When a wealthy businessman paid for 50 homeless men to go to lunch, Jon Kuhrt was reminded of the parable of the banquet – and of our human propensity to mixed motives

A few Christmases ago, when I was running a homeless charity in London, we took a phone call from a businessman that I will never forget.

He was due to host a major Christmas event for 50 colleagues and clients in a prestigious London member’s club. A number of guests were flying into the capital to attend, but there was a sudden cold snap and the freezing conditions meant many flights were cancelled. So, he decided to postpone the event and contacted the club to tell them.

However, because of the late notice, the club said that they had to pay the full amount of the lunch even if no one came.