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Martin Kemp, Emma Willis and Matt Willis help Social Bite launch Festival of Kindness in Aberdeen

Emma and Matt Willis, along with Martin Kemp are behind the campaign. Image: DC Thomson.
Emma and Matt Willis, along with Martin Kemp are behind the campaign. Image: DC Thomson.

TV stars Martin Kemp and Emma and Matt Willis have helped Social Bite launch its Festival of Kindness in Aberdeen

They are urging people in the Granite City to spread some much-needed festive goodwill and kindness during these difficult times.

The charity is asking people to donate a “Christmas of Kindness” for £28, which includes a meal, gift, pack of essential items and emergency accommodation with support for people who are homeless.

Through the campaign, Social Bite has set a target of providing 300,000 meals, gifts and essential winter items to those experiencing homelessness during this festive period.

Recent research has highlighted that:

  • More than one in five people are living in poverty in the UK, according to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
  • An estimated 1.3 million more people will be plunged into absolute poverty by 2023, including 500,000 children.
  • 6.8 million adults had smaller meals than usual or skipped meals because they could not afford or get access to food.

Working alongside local partners, Social Bite has installed 28ft Christmas trees in five cities in the UK, including in Aberdeen.

People living nearby are encouraged to buy an extra gift and bring it to the Tree of Kindness, with the gifts being distributed to people who are homeless in time for Christmas.

The Tree of Kindness will be outside of M&S in Aberdeen. Image: Chris Cromar / DC Thomson.

The Festival of Kindness location in Aberdeen is outside the M&S store at the St Nicholas Centre.

The charity has created a wish list of the items and gifts that homeless and vulnerable people need the most, especially at this time of year.

These include a warm pair of gloves, a hot water bottled, a torch and good quality socks and toys for children living in temporary accommodation to open on Christmas morning.

Emma Willis said: “The help the campaign provides for people experiencing homelessness across the country is transformative for so many and more important than ever during the current rises in the cost of living.

“I’d encourage anyone who can, to donate a “Christmas of Kindness” online, or get along to their nearest Tree of Kindness to donate a gift and show whatever support they can to this brilliant cause.”

‘Kindness needed now more than ever’

Co-founder and executive director of Social Bite, Josh Littlejohn added: “Your kindness is needed now more than ever. The economic challenges and inflation facing the country this year means that homeless people face a very bleak winter.

“Millions of people will be forced to choose between heating and eating this Christmas, and tens of thousands of people all over the UK will spend the festive period on the streets – cold, hungry and lonely, without a family to go to.

“Tens of thousands of children will also find themselves in temporary emergency accommodation or without food on the table over the festive period.

“That’s why we are asking people living in Aberdeen to support our Festival of Kindness campaign by inviting them to be kind and buy or donate a little extra to help those who need it most – even the smallest of gifts will make a huge difference.”

The Press and Journal, Evening Express, Original 106 and Energy Voice are joining forces to shine a light on the tireless work that groups, charities and volunteers are doing to keep the most vulnerable fed.

Once again we’re working closely with charity Cfine, which supports communities across Grampian and the Highlands and Islands.

Conversation