Aberdonians called upon to help raise meals and gifts for homeless people this Christmas

Aberdonians are being called upon to help raise 300,000 gifts, meals and essential items to donate to people experiencing homelessness this Christmas.

Homelessness charity Social Bite's annual Festival of Kindness has returned to the city this month on a mission to help end homelessness and spread some much-needed festive joy throughout November and December.

Now in its fourth year, the Festival of Kindness Tree will be lighting up the entrance to the Bon Accord Centre for the first time, where it is inviting local performers and community groups to sign up to use their talents to raise awareness of the campaign.

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Last year, Aberdonians contributed 300,000 donations which went towards providing vulnerable people and people experiencing homelessness with gifts, essential items and Christmas meals. Talented locals will sign up to come along and help to raise much-needed funds, using their various skills and talents to draw a crowd and help surpass previous years.

Social Bite was one of nine organisations who called to declare a housing emergency in Aberdeen earlier this year due to a rising number of people who are homeless and a shortage of affordable quality homes in the city.

The charity has a coffee shop on Union Street which serves coffees, cakes and sandwiches to customers while also providing free food and hot drinks to anyone who needs it, in addition to offering employment opportunities through its Jobs First programme.

As well as gifts hand delivered to the Social Bite Tree of Kindness, those looking to take part can also donate virtually. Donations of £28 can provide someone with a hot Christmas meal, a gift, a bundle of essential items and a bed for the night. Supporters can also donate a pack of warm gloves for £10, or 10 winter essential items and backpack for £250.

Founder of Social Bite, Josh Littlejohn MBE, said: “Across the UK, homelessness is increasing. In September, Aberdeen City Council declared a housing emergency because homelessness applications were up 64% and support services are at risk of systemic failure. That means that this year, Festival of Kindness is more important than ever. Fortunately, we know that the people of Aberdeen are some of our kindest and most generous supporters who will help us bring joy to their neighbours and beyond.

“We’re asking for the famous Aberdonian spirit to prevail once again this festive season, and this time in addition to donating Christmas gifts and meals, to help us raise awareness by signing up to come along and demonstrate their talents at our Festival of Kindness tree in the Bon Accord courtyard.”

As well as the tree at Bon Accord, 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:

• Glasgow – Vinicombe Street

• Edinburgh – Castle Street & the Pitt Market, Granton

• London – Strand, outside Charing Cross station

• Dundee – Union Street

Anyone looking to come along to perform at the tree should email their name, their group or skill and some details of their act to socialbite@framecreates.co.uk by November 25.

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/.