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.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
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!
READ MORE
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!
READ MORE
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!
READ MORE
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!
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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!
READ 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.
READ MORE
Your fave panto gang are back!
The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow announce full casting line up for this year's panto, Jock & The Beanstalk!
READ MORE
Glasgow Life confirms 2025 Summer of Events programme
Glasgow Life has unveiled a thrilling 2025 Summer of Events programme which will bring top local, national and international artists, musicians and performers to Glasgow!
READ MORE
Folk pop band Tide Lines stop Glasgow commuters with surprise busk crawl
Glasgow commuters were stopped in their tracks yesterday as folk-pop favourites Tide Lines brought live music to the Subway in a surprise 'busk crawl'.
READ MORE
Bowl for a cause at VEGA
Bowling fans should get their shoes ready as a new monthly charity bowling day launches at VEGA Glasgow's bar, restaurant and alley on the top floor of YOTEL Glasgow.
READ MORE
Six by Nico transforms your meal into a mission, and every guest into an explorer
Building on the success of its immersive experiences, Six by Nico is set to take diners on an adventure across the Six Wonders of the World!
READ MORE
Returning to The Pavilion after two previous sellout runs!
The Irish play described by audiences as the finest, funniest, most heart-breaking piece of theatre they've ever seen returns to The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow!
READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next weekend with a supersized celebration
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th April for its biggest event yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before!
READ MORE
Global fashion brand Pull&Bear debuts first Glasgow store at Silverburn
Spanish fashion label Pull&Bear has joined the line-up at leading retail and leisure destination Silverburn, marking the brand’s Glasgow debut and second store in Scotland.
READ MORE
WestFest is back for its third annual festival this June!
WestFest, Glasgow's biggest community led, cultural festival today launches the programme for its 2025 event!
READ MORE
The Scottish Rum Festival returns to Glasgow to celebrate its 5th anniversary
The Scottish Rum Festival is delighted to announce its return to Glasgow, marking a special milestone – five years since the festival first launched as a virtual celebration in 2020.
READ MORE
Trusts join forces to explore complexities of the Battle of Culloden
The National Trust for Scotland and the National Trust have teamed up to give an insight into the complexity of the Battle of Culloden in a pair of podcasts this April.
READ MORE
Love Your Lawn with Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in stores across the UK this May in partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week.
READ MORE
Five things to do at the Glasgow Coffee Festival
Gill McIntyre, Glasgow Coffee Festival's Specialist & Event Coordinator, shares her can't miss moments ahead of this year's event!
READ MORE
Outstanding Achievement awarded to actress Elaine C Smith at The Pantomime Awards 2025
Elaine C Smith picked up the illustrious award for her exceptional contribution to the Pantomime Industry for many decades as one of Scotland's best-loved pantomime legends.
READ MORE
Glasgow to welcome new West End Champagne bar
Cuvée, a new Champagne, wine and cheese bar is set to open in Glasgow’s West End at the end of April.
READ MORE
Exclusive child planting event in honour of National Childrens Gardening Week
Dobbies Garden Centres are celebrating National Children's Gardening Week by welcoming families along to its Children's Planting and Afternoon Tea experience on Saturday 31st May.
READ MORE
Hop Into an EGGceptional Easter at Gravity Active
This Easter, get ready to bounce into an unforgettable adventure at Gravity Active.
READ MORE
A festival for tiny tots is coming to Glasgow this Summer
A festival for Glasgow's littlest revellers is launching this summer, and it's set to be a treat for the whole family!
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort announces Easter weekend opening hours and holiday fun for families
Glasgow Fort has confirmed its opening hours for the upcoming Easter weekend and is inviting families to enjoy a packed programme of fun, food and entertainment throughout the school holidays!
READ MORE
Award winning Rickshaw & Co. brings bold flavours and big heart to 850th celebrations
Rickshaw & Co., a vibrant Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant in Glasgow's West End, is proudly taking part in the city's 850th anniversary celebrations as a must-visit destination for food.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links