Dame Helen Mirren has urged the people of Cardiff to help raise money for homeless and vulnerable people in an appeal launched by Just Eat and Social Bite. Other well-known faces including Rob Brydon and Sir Chris Hoy have posted videos backing the new Christmas Meal Appeal launched by Just Eat in partnership with charities Social Bite & FoodCycle.
The appeal comes after reports detail the increasing issue of homelessness in the UK, and the increased pressure and reliance on charities as the nation deals with the economic and social fallout of the Covid pandemic.
2020 has been like no other, but one positive outcome from this exceptionally challenging year is the sense of community and camaraderie that has emerged. Over 41% of people in Cardiff say that this Christmas feels even more special than usual because of 2020’s challenges, while over two thirds say that the pandemic has made them far more aware of those in need around them – making Cardiff the most charitable city of all cities asked.
The funds raised will be distributed to Llamau by Social Bite who support homeless people through meal donations. Llamau run a number of essential services supporting some of the most isolated and disadvantaged young people and women in Wales and exist to help tackle homelessness.
The initiative has also been praised by former government advisor on homelessness, Dame Louise Casey, who remains one of the UK’s most active advocates around the issues of homelessness and food poverty.
The Just Eat Christmas Meal Appeal is the perfect opportunity to help out and give back as we move towards the Christmas celebration, with many of us now hoping to be able to spend it with at least some of our family and friends. Just Eat has committed to raising funds for at least 100,000 Christmas meals for homeless and vulnerable people and with support from customers, are aiming to fund up to 200,000. Customers can take part by clicking the donation button whilst they order their takeaway. They’ll have the choice of making a £3, £5 or £10 donation and Just Eat will match it, pound for pound.
Andrew Kenny UK MD for Just Eat commented: “After an exceptionally difficult year for so many, we’re proud to partner with Social Bite & FoodCycle, matching customers’ donations pound for pound to provide tens of thousands of Christmas meals for the UK’s homeless and vulnerable people.”
Josh Littlejohn from Social Bite added: “This year has been a lot more difficult than most, with many people finding themselves financially vulnerable and in the worst-case, homeless. We know that Christmas, in particular, can be a very challenging time which is why we’re delighted to be partnering with Just Eat for the Christmas Meal Appeal to help fill at least 100,000 plates this year all over the UK’.
Jenna Lewis, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Llamau, said: “We’re so grateful to Just Eat and their customers for their kindness this year. This generous funding will allow us to provide Christmas meals and food packages for every young person, woman and child we support this festive season.
“It’s very easy to see our Christmas dinner as the “norm”, and take it for granted, but for so many of the people we support this may be the first chance they have had to celebrate Christmas in a safe home. We all have the right to a safe home where we can celebrate with people who care about us. We’re so pleased to see people coming together to help others after a year that has been so difficult for so many of us.”
