itison founder calls for action to help children who will have nothing this winter
Founder of Scottish business, itison, Oli Norman, has spoken out about the 'devastating' level of poverty in Scotland this festive season.
Article Source: Social Bite
Last Updated: 10 December 2024 13:10
To tackle this, the company has once again launched its £5 Christmas appeal in a bid to raise thousands for people who are vulnerable and homeless this winter, in partnership with Social Bite.
The annual initiative, which allows generous Scots to buy a person, family, or child who is homeless or vulnerable a hot Christmas meal or gift for just £5, comes amidst news that more children in Scotland will be homeless and hungry this Christmas than ever before.
Over the last decade, the itison £5 Christmas Appeal campaign has raised more than £3 million, 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 number of people accepting these meals increases, with more and more people visiting Social Bite on Christmas Day to enjoy good company, warmth, and a hearty meal.
Social Bite and itison have surveyed the drastically declining rate of security for vulnerable people across Scotland since last year and work 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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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.
“There is simply not enough support for people who are, or are at risk of becoming, vulnerable and homeless. Families and children across the country will be spending Christmas Day without a hot meal, gift or safe place to call home – more must be done. 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. Let’s act now.”
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
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Glasgow Film Festival 2025 Announces Country Focus, Special Events, and UK Wide Screenings
Glasgow Film Festival (GFF) has announced that its 2025 Country Focus will be Austria and reveals its Special Events which will go on sale on Monday 16th December.
READ MORE
Vote Now! Glasgow Bar Awards 2025 Open Nominations
From iconic institutions to rising stars, the search is on to find the city's best bars, pubs, and hospitality heroes that make Glasgow great!
READ MORE
Ring in the New Year at Flight Club Glasgow with the Ultimate Hogmanay Brunch
Flight Club Glasgow is celebrating Hogmanay in style with a bottomless brunch to end all bottomless brunches and a gorgeous limited-edition cocktail menu.
READ MORE
itison founder calls for action to help children who will have nothing this winter
Founder of Scottish business, itison, Oli Norman, has spoken out about the 'devastating' level of poverty in Scotland this festive season.
READ MORE
Award winning folk star set for sparkling Celtic Connections show
Glasgow-based folk sensation Beth Malcolm is getting set to perform her forthcoming new album to local audiences as part of Celtic Connections at Barony Hall on Saturday 1st February.
READ MORE
Asda colleagues wear Happy to Chat badges to help tackle loneliness this Christmas
Millions of over 60's are facing a completely silent night, and day, this Christmas season, with one in 10 not sure they will speak to anyone across the festive period.
READ MORE
Tis The Season of Giving
Buchanan Galleries partners with Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity to help spread festive joy!
READ MORE
Splash into 2025 with New Year challenge to transform lives
A unique swimming challenge is inviting swimmers to set personal goals and raise funds for a life-changing hydrotherapy pool on behalf of leading disability charity, Capability Scotland.
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort reveals new competition winning festive pancake coming to its markets
Glasgow Fort has announced the winner of its recent competition to design an exclusive festive pancake flavour.
READ MORE
Cold water reset retreats with Sophie Hellyer debut at Marine Troon
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts launches new series - 'Adventure weekends with Marine & Lawn'.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival announce comedy commission with The Alasdair Gray Archive
Alan Bissett, Ashley Storrie and Christopher MacArthur-Boyd to create responses to The Alasdair Gray Archive as part of Glasgow 850.
READ MORE
Katy J from Capital Radio returns to join the fun in The Wizard of Oz
Guess who's back to sprinkle some extra magic (and laughs) on the SEC stage?
READ MORE
Double charity boost from Glasgow Clan
Ice hockey fans will get the chance to do their bit to help the less well-off by donating food items and toys at Glasgow Clan games this weekend.
READ MORE
Drag legend Andi Martine joins all star cast of Snow White and the Seven Drag Queens this January
Glasgow's own Andi Martine joins an all-star cast including Gogglebox legend Scarlett Moffatt, Celebrity Big Brother-winner David Potts and Ru Paul's reigning Queens, Michael Marouli and Tomara Thomas
READ MORE
Merry go round celebrates National Lottery Grant to support Glasgow families
Local Southside charity Merry-go-round is celebrating a £39,000 award from The National Lottery Cost of Living Support Fund.
READ MORE
The biggest Festive Artists and Makers Market in Scotland returns to the Briggait
Support local artisans and discover one-of-a-kind gifts this holiday season when the highly anticipated Wasps Winter Artists and Makers Market at The Briggait returns this weeekend!
READ MORE
Enjoy the best of Belfast at Christmas with Stena Line
A beautiful city with a rich history and a giant adventure to be found around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible festive experiences to enjoy in Belfast.
READ MORE
The Pavilion Theatre launches Priority Live scheme
The Pavilion Theatre is delighted to announce it is part of a brand-new membership scheme from Trafalgar Theatres – PRIORITY LIVE - offering exciting new benefits for theatre fans everywhere.
READ MORE
Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur wins Turner Prize 2024
Jasleen Kaur, whose exhibition Alter Altar at Tramway uses a vintage Ford Escort, worship bells and Irn-Bru to celebrate the Scottish Sikh community, has won this year's Turner Prize.
READ MORE
TRNSMT reveals superstar first acts for Glasgow Green 2025
50 Cent, Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol, The Script, Fontaines D.C. and Gracie Abrams are included among the much-anticipated first wave of artists announced for Scotland's biggest music event.
READ MORE
Platform has unveiled their festive programme for the ultimate alternative night out this Christmas
From new delicious seasonal dishes and boozy hot chocolates to local live music and family-friendly events, Platform's has something for everyone this festive season.
READ MORE
Christmas Dinner bookings surge at Crutherland House
Crutherland House Hotel & Spa has reported a remarkable rise in bookings for Christmas lunch, highlighting a growing trend of families seeking the magic of dining out this festive season.
READ MORE
Pioneering accessible technology conference returns to Glasgow in 2025
RNIB Scotland's Inclusive Design for Sustainability (IDS) Conference is set to return to Glasgow Science Centre on 17 and 18 March 2025.
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort invites local residents to input on exciting expansion plans
Leading retail destination Glasgow Fort is announcing exciting new expansion plans and inviting local residents to have their say.
READ MORE
New artisan bakery gives away free coffee and cake to celebrate opening
Shots of a new bakery set to open in Glasgow's west end have been revealed as its owner plans to usher in a new era: 'brot winter'.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, children's rides, stalls, street food and a packed live entertainment schedule makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out!
READ MORE
The Grahamston unveils new festive dining experience and limited edition cocktail menu
The menu features a festive twist on key dishes alongside unique Peter Pan-inspired cocktails!
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort launches Christmas charity partnerships to support local young people and their families
As Christmas approaches, Glasgow Fort has partnered with local charities Simba and FARE Scotland to support young people and their families this festive season.
READ MORE
Do Not Disturb: Drinks delivery service becomes the first to offer silent delivery
Glasgow's newest drinks delivery service has become the first retailer to offer a 'silent night' delivery option meaning customers can order worry-free of doorbells or loud knocks.
READ MORE
Brewer gives away free pints to celebrate mockumentary launch
Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn lifts the lid on the beer industry with a mockumentary starring real employees and comedians Paul Dockery and Katie McKenzie.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links