The Festival of Kindness has been launched in the West End of Glasgow to help homeless people this Christmas.
The charity Social Bite wants to provide 250,000 meals and essential items for society’s most vulnerable people.
And West Enders are being asked to donate meals, gifts and accommodation for those who need it most this Christmas.
We reported earlier this month how the festival was coming to the West End with the help of local traders.
Homeless people need help and support more than ever because of the devastating impact of the coronavirus epidemic.
A Christmas tree installed by the charity in Vinicombe Street, just off Byres Road, where people can leave gifts.
A second tree has been placed in Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square as part of the nationwide campaign.
The public are being asked to buy one extra gift, drop it under the tree and contribute to a movement of kindness.
People can choose from a gift wish list: 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.
Social Bite has the support of Essential Edinburgh and West End Business Improvement District.
Passers-by can drop their gifts at the trees. 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: “With the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, this Christmas is going to be especially tough for Scotland’s homeless population.
“For those without a safe place to call home, a small act of kindness can mean the world.
“At Social Bite, we have seen some extraordinary examples of kindness during the pandemic and we’re asking people to come together and spread some festive cheer.
“I would like to encourage everyone to make a financial donation or come and drop a gift at our dedicated Christmas trees in Edinburgh and Glasgow and we will get them to those who need them most.
“Even the smallest of gifts, like a warm pair of socks or hot water bottle, will make a huge difference and we feel truly passionate that everyone deserves some sort of gift this Christmas.
At Social Bite, we have seen some extraordinary examples of kindness during the pandemic and we’re asking people to come together and spread some festive cheer
Josh Littlejohn
“We’re really proud to have worked together with partner organisations to bring this project to life and continue to help further tackle homelessness in Scotland.
“Please join us and help spread kindness and hope this Christmas.”
Monetary contributions can also be made at donation points across the cities or online for those unable to make it out.
All money donations will be invested in three areas – food provision; gifts and essential items; and funding warm shelter and accommodation to those who are sleeping rough, in partnership with Glasgow City Mission and Bethany Christian Trust.
Social Bite has already produced and distributed over 815,000 food pack and essential itemsto vulnerable people since the pandemic began in Scotland.
The charity is hoping that the kindness of the Scottish public can bring this number to over one million items distributed to those who need them.
The trees sites will be open for donations from Monday to Wednesday, 12pm to 2pm, and Thursday to Sunday, 10.30am to 7.30pm.
- All gifts should be new and unwrapped. To find out more or donate, please visit http://festive.social-bite.co.uk/donate/
