Every Christmas, Social Bite opens its doors on Christmas day and, this year, is organising food provision all over the UK throughout the festive period in a campaign called The Festival of Kindness. Leonardo’s donation of £12,000 from its sites around the UK will buy 2,400 meals for those experiencing homelessness this Christmas across Scotland, where the charity is based, and throughout the rest of the UK.
Wendy Allen, HR Director Leonardo UK, said: “Living with homelessness is incredibly stressful and even more frightening during a pandemic. The stories of those supported by Social Bite are both moving and humbling, since they demonstrate how a short series of misfortunes can lead anyone to become homeless. We chose Social Bite because of their dedication to helping homeless people get back on their feet, going beyond food to provide employment, training and an all-important social network. We hope this donation gives further support to those who find themselves in need this Christmas.”
Peter Kerr, Social Bite’s CEO Scotland, said: “We’d like to thank Leonardo and its staff for supporting the Festival of Kindness. This year, Christmas is going to be strange for all of us. For the homeless and families living in poverty, the pandemic has made their situation even more difficult. This brilliant donation will provide a real lifeline to so many across the UK this winter. We are very grateful for this generous support."
The Festival of Kindness campaign aims to provide accommodation, support and 250,000 Christmas meals and essential items to those in a situation of homelessness over winter.