Itison has launched its fourth annual festive fundraiser for Social Bite today and within just ten hours of going live kind hearted members of the public have donated over 20,000 meals and counting.
Last year, a total of 75,755 vouchers were donated on itison allowing Social Bite to provide hot meals for the homeless, not just at Christmas, but throughout the entire year. Itison is hoping to beat last year’s total – and after a flying start – is on track to smash it.
To donate, simply visit Itison and for just £5 (100% of which goes to Social Bite), you can buy a meal for a homeless person or for the first time, buy a Christmas gift for children, families and individuals affected by homelessness to make sure they have a present to open on Christmas Day.
Josh Littlejohn, co-founder of Social Bite, in a FB Live video today from itison House, explained that he approached itison CEO Oli Norman back in 2014 hoping that a campaign on itison would help to fund 800 meals at Social Bite on Christmas Day.
The fundraiser captured the hearts of people all over Scotland who donated a phenomenal 32,600 vouchers.
Josh said “Before our first itison fundraiser in in 2014, we were a small social enterprise and often ran out of food donated through our pay it forward scheme, and would have to turn people away or ask them to come back later.
“After the first itison fundraiser ran, we were completely blown away by the response – over 32,000 vouchers were donated allowing us to provide meals not just on Christmas Day but right throughout the year. Each year it gets bigger and bigger – and since it launched – we’ve never had to turn away a single person away which is just incredible.”
Oli Norman said: “Around 18 of us took part in Social Bite’s Sleep in the Park at the weekend and that teeny glimpse into what it’s like sleeping in the freezing cold highlighted just how wrong it is that in this day in age, people are still having to sleep rough in such treacherous conditions.
“To date our members have donated an incredible 200,000 vouchers to help provide meals for people affected by homelessness – and I’m truly astonished by their kindness and generosity in supporting the brilliant work Social Bite are doing.”
“We’re also very aware that it’s not just individuals affected by homelessness – but families with children too – so this year we’re also asking you to donate £5 to buy a Christmas gift that will be delivered to those who might otherwise wake up to nothing at all. Please dig deep and donate what you can – it’s a brilliant, brilliant cause.”
Social Bite’s Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen cafes will be opening their doors to the homeless on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to serve Christmas dinners with all the trimmings, offering food and company at what is one of the loneliest times of the year for many of society’s most vulnerable people.