Doing our bit to help those in need this Christmas

Research shows that there are around 227,000 people who are homeless across the UK, either rough sleeping, bedding down in vans or stuck in B&Bs. This means that a helping hand can go a very long way, which is why at Mitchells & Butlers, we are proud to support a range of charity initiatives. We truly believe that if we all pull together to support these amazing causes, we can make a difference. 

SOCIAL BITE

For the past 2 years, we’ve got behind Social Bite – a charity whose movement aims to end homelessness.

Each year the charity hosts an annual Festival of Kindness, with this year’s running until the 21^{st of} December. This year the charity has installed five ‘Trees of Kindness’ across the UK, located in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, and London. The Tree of Kindness is a place where people can donate a gift to someone experiencing homelessness, and the charity will distribute them throughout the UK to homeless people, families, and children. Every gift is greatly appreciated and will mean the world to the person who receives it. For more information on where to find a tree, or what gifts to donate, please visit  https://www.social-bite.co.uk/festival-of-kindness/trees-of-kindness/.

Within our pubs and restaurants, we are further supporting the pledge by adding Festival of Kindness point of sales. By offering our customers the opportunity to tick a box when paying, they can help provide essential items and meals to homeless people this Christmas.

At our head office in Birmingham, we have also installed our very own Tree of Kindness where our teams can donate a gift. These gifts will then be given to homeless and vulnerable people across Birmingham this Christmas. A little can go such a way and we’re proud to see our teams pulling together.

Shelter believes everyone should have a home to go to, and so do we. Each year, the charity sees over one million people approach them for help and advice on issues around poor housing and homelessness.

Hearing that others go without things that we all consider essentials is particularly tough around the colder months. Some of the best items to donate which can really help the homeless are ones that protect them from the elements. Cold weather clothing is a great contribution to keep the people we’re trying to help, safe.

That’s why at our head office in Birmingham, we’ve set up a Shelter donation station where our teams can kindly pass on winter clothes for those less fortunate. From thermal underwear to a big fluffy coat, all items are crucial to help to keep someone snug through the winter months.

If you want to know more about Shelter, please visit: https://www.shelter.org.uk/.

Christmas is often referred to as a time for giving, and this year where possible, we’re encouraging people to join us in supporting our chosen charities and those who desperately need it. We’re so proud of the work done so far and look to continue this in 2023 and beyond.