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Seven ways to help those less fortunate this Christmas
As the cold weather descends on Bristol this December, most of us would like nothing more than to retreat to our homes to snuggle up in the warm, surrounded by family, food and festivities. However, with around 120 people sleeping rough on the streets each night and one in every 170 residents of Bristol homeless according to figures published by Shelter last year, this simply isn’t possible for everyone.
As we move closer to Christmas, many businesses, charities and individuals are all providing support for those less fortunate in one form or another, and all of us can get involved to spread a bit of cheer.
Here are seven Christmas campaigns to look out for:
is needed now More than ever
Eat a Pitta
The falafel-makers are encouraging the people of Bristol to participate in Random acts of Hummus (also known as kindness) this Christmas by donating clothes, food, gifts and more.
“Council budgets are being squeezed, and Bristol is no exception, meaning less support for people when they need it most,” say the team. “It is imperative that we, the general public, take matters into our own hands.”
Drop off your donations at one of their shops (Gloucester Road, Queen’s Road, Broadmead and St Nicholas Market) or bring them along to the Bearpit at 7pm on December 16 when staff will be distributing your items to people living on the streets to keep them warm and fed during the coldest months of the year.
Franco Manca
The chain pizzeria with a branch on Clare Street describe Christmas as “the best of times for many. The worst for those less fortunate”. They are making sure that people on the streets are being fed this Christmas by donating their sourdough pizzas to those most vulnerable.
They are reaching out to charities, shelters and food banks to provide them with details of people that need help, so spread the word and email your ideas to donations@francomanca.co.uk
Pizza chain Franco Manca will be delivering hot meals to those in need
Caring in Bristol
For the first time ever Caring at Bristol will be opening not one, but two pop-up shelters. These will be open from December 24 until January 1. They aim to provide Bristol’s homeless with warmth, food, compassion and support throughout the festive period.
To make this all possible, they rely on the efforts of generous volunteers who are willing to spend their holidays helping those less fortunate. Volunteering roles include spending time with the shelter residents, helping with laundry and cooking up tasty Christmas meals.
Volunteers at one of Caring in Bristol shelters unpacks supplies to make the place Christmassy
Safer off the Streets
Bristol Rough Sleeping Partnership, which combines the efforts of local homeless shelters, is urging Christmas shoppers to buy the gift of a safe place for Bristol’s homeless to stay by donating using one of their contactless donation points.
Simply tap your card to make an instant donation of £2, which helps to keep Bristol’s night shelters up and running. There are two donation points in Broadmead (one outside Tesco on the corner of Union Street and another outside Primark on the Horsefair), and two in Ocean’s Bristol branches: one in Southville and another in their Bishopston office on Gloucester Road.
The donation station that used to be in Bristol Energy on the harbourside is currently unavailable but will be moved to the Tourist Information office early in 2019.
One25
The charity, based in St Paul’s, supports vulnerable women who are affected by street sex-work, violence, poverty and addiction. This Christmas they’ll be hosting a party for the women they work with, as well as continuing to run their van full of food and hot drinks throughout the dark evenings.
Donate £10, £25 or more to allow more vulnerable women to be able to have a Christmas.
https://www.facebook.com/One25Charity/videos/vb.192033547496568/326823461237502/?type=2&theater
Crisis Centre Ministries
The team behind the Wild Goose Cafe on Stapleton Road aren’t giving out shoeboxes this year as they usually do, but instead are aiming to give good-quality, practical Christmas gifts to the people they work with. Items include rucksacks, sleeping bags, underwear, gloves and umbrellas.
Find a full list on their website, along with food items that they are always in need of.
Crisis Ministries ask that only items on their list are donated as they have limited storage space
Six and St Mungo’s
Local creative agency Six have joined forces with homeless charity St Mungo’s to use their skills to help others and get people back on their own two feet. On December 12, Six took on the many many steps of Christmas Steps, walking, running and sprinting up and down the local landmark for a fundraising challenge.
Take a picture of your #OwnTwoFeet on Instagram to get involved with the campaign, or donate through their JustGiving page.
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