Scottish Campaign urges public in major cities to remember the homeless


26 November 2024
by Robert Armour

UK has highest rate of homelessness in developed world

Social Bite has launched its annual Festival of Kindness campaign in five UK cities this November.

Over four years, people in these cities and beyond have helped the charity provide over one million gifts, essential items, and hot meals for children and adults across the country who might otherwise go without over the winter period.

The campaign has been kicking off in London, Aberdeen, Dundee since last week, with Glasgow and Edinburgh due to join efforts this weekend. The initiative aims to raise over 300,000 gifts, essential items and Christmas meals for people and families who are most in need over the festive season, and with more people across the country living in increased poverty during a national housing emergency, the campaign is needed more than ever.

The UK has the highest rate of homelessness in the developed world – and this campaign will help to bring joy to the thousands of households who have found themselves in a position of homelessness this festive season. Throughout the country 371,609 households have been assessed as homeless or threatened with losing their home, which is an increase to last year.

For the fourth year, Social Bite Trees of Kindness are appearing in all five cities as a drop-off point for kind-hearted locals to bring gifts and make donations. In addition to the drop-off points, people from all areas across the UK can donate online, something the charity is encouraging this year to help increase the number of people it can spread festive cheer to amidst the national housing crisis and rising poverty.

A wish list of gifts has been developed with people the charity supports. The list consists of things they not only want at this time of year but need, including toys and games for children in temporary accommodation, warm clothes, toiletries, SIM cards and earphones, boots and trainers. Money donated at the trees and online also goes towards a Christmas meal with all the trimmings over the festive period.

Social Bite has thanked people across the UK and asks them once again to find it in their hearts to help spread some much-needed festive joy during what is one of the toughest years on record.

Social Bite’s Josh Littlejohn said: “Unfortunately, homelessness and food poverty are at an all-time high, and this year a record number of people will be waking up on Christmas Day with nothing. This means no toys to open, no Christmas meal to look forward to, and no safe place to stay warm.

“This is why we’re asking for more people than ever to get behind us and give what they can, at one of the Trees of Kindness or online. We’re so grateful to everyone across the UK who rallies behind us every year to provide essentials and moments of joy to the people we support. Once again, we’re asking you all to show that goodwill, and encourage your friends, families and workmates to do the same.”