Despite feeling the pinch from the cost of living crisis, new research reveals over half of the population (55%) will give more than ever to those in need this winter. With more than nine in 10 (92%) Brits planning to sacrifice life’s ‘’little luxuries’’ in order to be charitable, people are buying fewer clothes (41%), shopping second hand (28%) and going to the cinema less (24%).
In the spirit of giving, Just Eat has teamed up with TV icons, Vicky Pattison and Pete Wicks to encourage the nation to support its Winter Meal Appeal, by launching a Giving Grotto next Monday 21st November. Now in its third year, the Just Eat Winter Meal Appeal pledges to give a quarter of a million hot meals to homeless, vulnerable and lonely people this winter via its charity partners, Social Bite and FoodCycle.
The Giving Grotto flips the festive tradition on its head, and is a place to give back instead of asking for and receiving gifts. The launch of the grotto comes as new research reveals over half (61%) of Brits claim doing something kind for someone in need is a priority this winter. Recognising the serious impact of the financial crisis on vulnerable people in society, over half of Brits (51%) feel charitable giving is important because people are facing homelessness and hunger more than ever before.
To deliver joy and spread festive cheer at the Giving Grotto, Winter Meal Appeal ambassadors Vicky and Pete, dressed as festive elves, will be gifting some of those showing their support with a Just Eat gift card to enjoy a meal at home. Should people wish, they later have the chance to donate again to the Winter Meal Appeal £1, £5 or £10 when they next order on the app.
The Winter Meal Appeal supports two charities: FoodCycle and SocialBite, and before donning elf hats next week, Vicky and Pete recently spent time volunteering at a local Foodcycle project in London. With hundreds of projects across the country, FoodCycle feeds those in need with nutritious meals using surplus food that would otherwise go to waste. Meanwhile, Social Bite provides homes, jobs, food and support to people experiencing homelessness and food poverty in the UK.
Vicky Pattison, Winter Meal Appeal Ambassador commented: “It was an honour to spend time working with the incredible FoodCycle volunteers and experience first hand the difference a hot meal and company can make to vulnerable people in our communities. Pete and I are excited to host the Just Eat Giving Grotto in support of the Winter Meal Appeal to help encourage the nation to show support if they can, and donate to both charity partners, FoodCycle and Social Bite, to help them to continue the amazing work they do for years to come”.
Victoria Gold, UK and Ireland Marketing Director for Just Eat commented: “Many more people are facing homelessness and food hunger than ever before. Our Winter Meal Appeal aims to help make a difference to those facing the threat of homelessness, loneliness and food poverty in our communities. Together with our charity partners, FoodCycle and Social Bite, and with the support of our customers, employees and couriers, we are committed to delivering at least 250,000 hot freshly cooked meals to those that need it this winter.”
The Just Eat Giving Grotto will take place at London Waterloo Station on the 21st of November, and is accepting donations including monetary or essential items. For those unable to come down on the day, the Just Eat Winter Meal Appeal is encouraging those to support if they can, by donating £1, £5 or £10 at checkout when they next order a meal on Just Eat - all funds raised will be split equally between FoodCycle and Social Bite.
Committed to reaching its target of a quarter of million hot meals, Just Eat is kick-starting the Winter Meal Appeal with a £250,000 donation and using its network as a force for good, drawing on its employees and delivery couriers to volunteer and fundraise too.
