Words by Smiley Team
In a bid to spread some much-needed festive goodwill and kindness, a Scottish charity has launched its "Festival of Kindness" for the Christmas period.Social Bite, the largest distributor of free fresh food to the homeless in the UK, has launched its campaign in five cities across the UK. The charity is asking people in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee to donate meals, gifts, essential items and accommodation to those who need it most this Christmas.Through the festive festival, Social Bite has set a target of providing 300,000 meals and essential items of the winter months to those experiencing homelessness this festive period.
Working alongside local partners, Social Bite has installed five 28ft tall Christmas trees across the country and is asking people to buy one extra gift, drop it under the tree and contribute to a movement of kindness. Festival of Kindness locations include:
The charity has created a gift wish list of the things homeless and vulnerable people need the most – from a warm pair of gloves, a hot water bottle and a torch, to good quality socks and toys for children to open on Christmas morning.Passers-by can drop their gifts at the trees and take in the Christmas lights, meet Santa and hear more about Social Bite’s ambitions from volunteers. All gifts will then be distributed by Social Bite’s dedicated team to those who need it most, just in time for Christmas.Social Bite co-founder and CEO, Josh Littlejohn MBE, said: “For a lot of us, Christmas is a period of happiness filled with family, gifts, food, and celebration – however, for vulnerable people and those who are experiencing homelessness it’s incredibly isolating as they prepare to spend Christmas alone or on the streets.“Our Festival of Kindness campaign aims to spread some festive cheer. In a world, where you can be anything, we’re urging people 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.”Monetary donations can also be made online via the Social Bite website which will then go towards the provision of food, gifts and essential items. It’ll also help fund accommodation for those sleeping rough.To find out more or donate, visit festive.social-bite.co.uk.
