Last month, we launched our Reverse Advent Calendar appeal. Instead of receiving 25 treats in the lead up to Christmas, we decided to instead gather 25 little food gifts, to be donated to a local food bank. Thanks to the generosity of our staff, we nearly doubled our target.
Hospitality and Hope, a South Shields based charity, supports people who are experiencing food insecurity. Every year, they distribute 40 tonnes of food to nearly 5,000 people in South Tyneside.
Essentials such as pasta, rice and canned goods are provided all year round. But this Christmas, they’re looking for seasonal treats to help families to enjoy a little festive magic. For families living in food insecurity, things like selection boxes may be an unaffordable luxury, so appeals like this one can help children feel more included in the festivities.
We asked Tritility staff to donate anything from selection boxes and mince pies to sauces, dips and drinks. With food costs skyrocketing, we were all the more delighted with the number of donations we received. Over 30 chocolate gifts were donated, as well as crisps, cakes, biscuits, squash, pasta and meal kits.
Yesterday we delivered all donations to Hospitality and Hope, who will distribute them in the run up to Christmas.
This is our second charity drive in as many weeks – last Friday we sported our Christmas jumpers in exchange for a donation to Save the Children.
Big thanks to everyone who donated. If you would like to support Hospitality and Hope, you can find more information on their website.