‘ Kindness’ tree put up in charity drive
ACHARITY is urging people in Glasgow to spread some festive goodwill during these difficult times, as it launches its Festival of Kindness campaign.
Social Bite has set a target of providing 300,000 meals, gifts, and essential winter items to those experiencing homelessness across the UK during this festive period.
Working alongside local partners, the charity has installed a 28ft tall Christmas tree at Vinicombe Street in the city’s West End.
People across the region are encouraged to buy a gift and take it to the ‘ Tree of Kindness’.
These gifts will be distributed to people who are homeless in time for Christmas.
The items that homeless and vulnerable people need the most especially at this time of year include gloves, a hot water bottle and a torch, to good quality socks and toys for children living in temporary accommodation to open on Christmas morning.
Josh Littlejohn MBE, Social Bite co- founder and executive director, said: “Your kindness is needed now more than ever. The economic challenges and inflation facing the country this year means 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.
“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 in Glasgow 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.”
On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Social Bite will be opening its coffee shops in Glasgow to provide a warm Christmas
dinner and some company for those who need it.
Josh added: “Our staff always give up their Christmas day every year to ensure that homeless and vulnerable people have delicious food to eat and some festive company.
“This year we will also be distributing food packs and hot meals to tens of thousands of people in food poverty through our network of charity partners all over the UK.”
People who are unable to visit the Tree of Kindness can also buy a ‘ virtual gift’ online via the Social Bite website, which will enable the provision of food, gifts and essential items.
Donations will also help fund emergency accommodation for people who are sleeping rough, as well as energy support during this cost- of- living crisis.
Last year, thanks to the generous support of the public, the Festival of Kindness campaign resulted in 276,545 Christmas meals, food packs, gifts, and essential items for people affected by homelessness and food poverty.
All gifts donated at the trees should be new and unwrapped. They will be placed in weatherproof Perspex boxes and collected each evening.
To find out more or donate, go to festive. social- bite. co. uk.