Charity launches ‘festival of kindness’ to help the homeless over Christmas

By Emma Lawson, Reporter28th November 2022News ScotlandCharities, Housing / Homelessness, News Scotland, Poverty / Austerity

A charity is launching a “festival of kindness” to help the homeless this Christmas.

The cost-of-living crisis has had devastating consequences for vulnerable people and those who experience homelessness across the UK.

Social Bite has launched its Festival of Kindness online and in five cities across the UK, in a bid to spread some festive goodwill and kindness during these difficult times.

The charity is urging people to buy an extra gift this year which will be donated to people who are most in need during the cost-of-living crisis this Christmas.

Backed by stars Martin Kemp, and Emma and Matt Willis, Social Bite has set a target of providing 300,000 meals, gifts, and essential winter items to those experiencing homelessness.

Social Bite co-founder and executive director, Josh Littlejohn (pictured right), said: “Your kindness is needed now more than ever. The economic challenges and inflation facing the country this year mean that homeless people face a very bleak winter.

“Millions of people will be forced to choose between heating and eating this Christmas, and tens of thousands of people all over the UK will spend the festive period on the streets – cold, hungry and lonely, without a family to go to.

“Tens of thousands of children will also find themselves in temporary emergency accommodation or without food on the table over the festive period.

“That’s why we are asking people living all across the UK to support our Festival of Kindness campaign by inviting them to be kind and buy or donate a little extra to help those who need it most – even the smallest of gifts will make a huge difference.”

Social Bite is planning to have 28ft tall Christmas trees with donation points installed at Charing Cross Station, London; St Andrew Square, Edinburgh; Vinicombe Street, Glasgow; outside M&S at the Bon Accord centre, Aberdeen; and in City Square, Dundee.

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the charity will be opening up coffee shops in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen to provide a Christmas dinner and company, as well as providing meals and gifts through a network of more than 170 local charity partners across the UK.

Television presenter, Emma Willis, added: “The work Social Bite does is amazing, so Matt and I are both really proud to support the Festival of Kindness campaign.

“The help the campaign provides for people experiencing homelessness across the country is transformative for so many and more important than ever during the current rises in the cost of living.

“I’d encourage anyone who can, to donate a Christmas of Kindness online, or get along to their nearest Tree of Kindness to donate a gift and show whatever support they can to this brilliant cause.”