FOUNDER of Scottish business Itison, Oli Norman, has spoken out about the “devastating” level of poverty in Scotland this festive season.
It was revealed earlier this year that the increase in homelessness in Scotland poses a “serious risk” to life as a lack of accommodation is leaving people without somewhere safe to call home, forcing them to endure freezing temperatures and extreme weather conditions.
To tackle this, the company has launched its £5 Christmas appeal again this year in a bid to raise thousands for people who are vulnerable and homeless this winter, in partnership with Social Bite.
The annual initiative allows Scots to buy a person, family, or child who is homeless or vulnerable a hot Christmas meal or gift for just £5.
Over the past ten years, this appeal has raised more than £3m with 700,000 donations made, meaning hundreds of people each year are able to enjoy a hot meal or a gift on Christmas Day at one of Social Bite’s coffee shops.
Every year the demand increases, with more and more people visiting Social Bite on Christmas Day to enjoy good company, warmth, and a hearty meal.
Both Social Bite and Itison have worked closely with people who receive support from Social Bite’s services to hear their stories.
Two regular attendees of the festive meals are father and son Jim and Billy. The pair have attended the Social Bite Christmas meals, in partnership with Itison, for over five years.
The meals mean so much to them that in past years, Jim and Billy have walked from as far as Rutherglen in to Glasgow to have their festive celebrations with the charity.
Billy said: “Every year that we’ve been has been brilliant.
“There’s no public transport on Christmas Day, so for a few years we walked in until my dad got a bit older.
“They welcome you in, you get a nice meal. It’s turkey, potatoes, you get your dessert.
“It’s good portions. Not too big, but it’s not too wee. And the gifts you get are unbelievable.”
Jim added: “Last year we got a charger for our phone, a pair of slippers, sweeties. Hats, scarves, gloves, a thermal to keep you warm when you’re outside.
“For a lot of people who are otherwise by themselves, who don’t get anything, they’re over the moon.”
Jim commented: “The thing that’s quite sad is you see a lot of people and then you don’t see them, because of their situations.
“You get to know people, and then you’re told ‘they’re no longer here.’ It’s the young ones.
“One minute you see them, and the next year they’re not here.”
Over the years they’ve got to know some familiar faces. But it’s the ones who don’t return reflecting the instability and dangers of homelessness that stick most with Jim and Billy.
Oli Norman, owner of Itison, said: “It’s 2024, and people are still going hungry, still without a decent home, still living on the streets, and still at serious risk because there is not enough accommodation for people who need it.
“The cost of living is still increasing, pushing more people into devastating poverty.
“We hope that once again our £5 voucher can bring some comfort to people who need it this festive season. We are urging people to please go online and buy a voucher for the same price as a coffee or a meal deal – we need your help to break this cycle of homelessness.”
Social Bite founder Josh Littlejohn MBE said: “Social Bite is experiencing unprecedented rise in demand from people who are homeless across the country due to the national housing emergency and the increasing cost of living.
“The Itison £5 Christmas appeal is a simple way for people to get involved and help bring some joy to people and families who are homeless and need it most this winter.
“For many people across the country, Christmas Day can be extremely challenging, but with the Itison £5 voucher, you can give someone the chance to have a hot meal and enjoy some good company on what should be the most joyful day of the year.
“This year, you also can make a child’s day with a Christmas gift for £5. Thank you to the amazing Scottish public for your continued support this Christmas.”
The £5 vouchers are available now at itison.com.
In addition to the itison £5 Christmas Appeal, donations and gifts can be made to Social Bite’s festival of kindness online or at one of the Trees of Kindness located throughout the UK.
For a full list of essential items needed, and to make a donation online, visit: social-bite.co.uk/festival-of-kindness/.
- Dundee – Union Street
- Glasgow – Vinicombe Street
- Edinburgh – Castle Street & The Pitt Market, Granton
- London – the Strand, outside Charing Cross station
- Aberdeen – outside the Bon Accord Centre
