Social Bite Festival Of Kindness seeks Glaswegians to help raise donations and joy in the city this Christmas

The charity is calling for local performers and community groups to help hit target of providing 300,000 gifts, meals and essential items to homeless and vulnerable people this Christmas.

Article Source: Social Bite
Last Updated: 26 November 2024 15:11

Leading homelessness charity, Social Bite, is calling on kind-hearted Glaswegian performers of all ages to help raise 300,000 gifts, meals and essential items to donate to people experiencing homelessness this Christmas season as part of its Festival of Kindness.

The charity’s annual campaign is returning to the city this month on a mission to help end homelessness and spread some much-needed festive joy throughout November and December. In its fourth year in Glasgow, the Festival of Kindness Tree will once again light up Vinicombe Street (off Byres Road), as part of the Visit West End Christmas market. Social Bite is inviting local performers and community groups to sign up and use their talents to raise awareness of the campaign.

Since 2021, generous Glaswegians have contributed more than 10,000 items towards Social Bite’s yearly target of 300,000 gifts, essentials and Christmas meals, which went towards providing vulnerable people and people experiencing homelessness with a loving Christmas. It is hoped that talented locals will sign up to come along and help raise much-needed funds using their various skills to draw a crowd, drive awareness and help beat last year’s total.

Homelessness has been declared as a national emergency in Scotland, and food poverty is on the rise, so more people are facing a desperate winter than ever before, including families with children. This is why each year Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness aims to bring joy and comfort to those who are facing a difficult Christmas, and this year that may be needed more than ever.

As well as gifts hand-delivered to the Social Bite Tree of Kindness, those looking to take part in the festive fundraising can also donate virtually. Donations of just £28 could provide someone with a hot Christmas meal, a gift, a bundle of essential items and a bed for the night. Supporters can also choose to donate items including a pack of warm gloves for £10, or even 10 winter essential items and backpack for £250: there are so many ways to get involved and help support people who need it most at this time of year.

Founder of Social Bite, Josh Littlejohn MBE, said: “Across the UK, homelessness is increasing. Earlier this year, the Scottish government homelessness report revealed a 15% increase in homelessness applications in Glasgow, and it was recently reported that the number of people living in temporary accommodation in the city has increased to over 1,800. That means that this year, Festival of Kindness is more important than ever.

“Glaswegians are renowned for looking out for each other and have shown this in their support for the campaign over the past four years. This year, in addition to donating Christmas gifts and meals, we are asking them to help us raise awareness by signing up to come along and demonstrate their talents at our Festival of Kindness tree on Vinicombe Street.”

The Tree of Kindness lights were officially switched on by founder of Social Bite, Josh Littlejohn MBE, on Sunday (24th November) as part of the Visit West End Christmas lights switch on event. As well as the tree located on Glasgow’s Vinicombe Street, four other Trees of Kindness have been installed across the UK. Donors can bring physical gifts to the trees which will be distributed to homeless and vulnerable people in time for Christmas, including:

• Edinburgh – Castle Street & the Pitt Market, Granton
• London – the Strand, outside Charing Cross station
• Aberdeen – outside the Bon Accord Centre
• Dundee – Union Street, outside the Star & Garter and Walker The Jeweller

For anyone who can’t make it along to the Festival of Kindness donation points, contributions can also be made online at social-bite.co.uk/festival-of-kindness/. The charity, in collaboration with people they support, has created a wish list of items and gifts that vulnerable people and people experiencing homelessness want most at this time of year. These include a warm pair of gloves, a hot water bottle and a torch, good quality socks, and toys and warm clothing for children living in temporary accommodation to open on Christmas morning. Donors can also buy a Christmas dinner, a gift, a pack of essential items and overnight emergency accommodation for £28.

Anyone looking to come along to perform the tree should email their name, their group or skill and some details of their act to socialbite@framecreates.co.uk by Monday 2nd December. (T&C’s apply*).

*T&C’s – applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis due to limited space.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Strictly champ Ore Oduba joins Picture You Dead ahead of performances at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

See the bestselling DSI Roy Grace book by Peter James on stage for the first time at Glasgow's Theatre Royal from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 14th June.

Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates

Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.

Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience

This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.

Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes

Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.

Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland

The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.

Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open

Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!

Fat Hippo fans prepare for the ultimate CheezHIT

Roll up your sleeves and get stuck in as Cheez-It® and Fat Hippo announce the ultimate collaboration.

Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15

To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.

This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!

Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!

Lychee Oriental expands with second Glasgow location

Lychee Oriental, Glasgow's modern Cantonese restaurant, will launch its second location in the city's Southside tomorrow.

Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.

PAWsitive Vibes Only: Bookface Sip, Swap & Support for Refuweegee... and Dogs are Welcome!

Calling all bookworms and their four-legged friends... this could be the ulti-mutt afternoon you've been waiting for!

Thousands of school children get taste for Glasgow 850 celebrations

Glasgow children are getting behind their city’s 850th birthday celebrations as a week-long Glasgow 850 Schools' Festival gets underway at primary schools across the city.

Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.

Market set to bring flavours and crafts from around the world to Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond Shores is hosting a continental market on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of May!

The Big Yin! Hoolie in the Hydro to applaud Glasgow legend Sir Billy Connolly

Scotland's biggest night of traditional music Hoolie in the Hydro will celebrate Glasgow comedy and folk music legend Sir Billy Connolly in larger-than-life style later this year!

Extra Event: NY Times Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell heads to the Bookface Sip & Swap in Glasgow

Due to high demand, an extra Bookface Sip & Swap event with Lisa Jewell will take place on Tuesday 8th July at Saints of Ingram, Glasgow, from 12.30–3.30pm.

Kiltwalk celebrates fundraising milestone as Glasgow hits record numbers

Glasgow Kiltwalk 2025 attracted so many kind-hearted walkers this weekend that organisers had to add an extra day to create the world's biggest ever Kiltwalk!

Barrowland Ballet take over Scotland with two shows this year

Award-winning dance company Barrowland Ballet present world premiere of Wee Man and the revival of Chunky Jewellery, ahead of Edinburgh Festival Fringe transfers this year.

30,000 Expected as Ashton Lane Street Party Returns for West End Fest 2025

The epic Ashton Lane Summer Street Party is back for West End Fest 2025, taking over the cobbled lane for a full weekend of live music, street performers, DJs, street food and alfresco drinks!

Line up announced for Laugh In The Park

Laugh in the Park, Glasgow Southside's annual comedy festival, has announced their line up featuring nine of the absolute best performers to be found in Scotland!

Somewhere by Nico launches its first ever Cocktail Festival in Glasgow and Edinburgh

Cocktail Festival will serve customers £5 cocktails highlighting signature cocktails including the classics we all love, from Margaritas to Daiquiris!

Strictly star joins cast of Scottish premiere of Fawlty Towers

Casting announced for the critically acclaimed production of Fawlty Towers - The Play, coming to Glasgow's King's Theatre in January!

New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday

Bluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.

A new culinary destination has opened at Tarbet, Loch Lomond

Lomond Leisure Group is delighted to announce the opening of Kirk O'The Lochs, a distinctive restaurant and bar nestled in a beautifully restored historic church in Tarbet, Loch Lomond.

Full cast announced for 2:22 A Ghost Story

The King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to announce the full 2025 cast for the UK tour of the critically acclaimed, smash hit, supernatural thriller 2:22 - A Ghost Story.

New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.

Dog lovers alert for a fun day out at Loch Lomond

Top Dogs at Loch Lomond Shores is back on Saturday 3rd May with its fun competitions, expert advice and dog-friendly products including accessories, pupcakes and much more!

Stories of inspiring young women sought by charity

The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.