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

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Fife News

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment

SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk

The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk. 

Fife Athlete Wins Silver at Virtus World Athletics Championships

Fife-based performance wear specialist, Keela, celebrates team member’s international success at the 11th Virtus World Athletics Championships in Brisbane, Australia.

The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced

The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.

KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.

Eden Mill Unveils World Class Distillery and Visitor Centre in St Andrews

Eden Mill has cut the ribbon on its landmark new distillery and visitor centre on the banks of the Eden Estuary, just outside the historic Home of Golf.

Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted

There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!

Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign

Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!

Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced

Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!

Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities

Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.

Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir

Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.

First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards

Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!

Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History

Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.

Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign

The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.

Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol

With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!

Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it

Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.

Brits brewing up a storm: Macdonald Hotels reports coffee surge

Brits are now picking up the cafetière, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts revealing a 10% rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels and resorts in the past year.

Spooky season brings horror icons and vampire romance back to the big screen at Vue

Some of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.

Christmas Launch Weekend at Dobbies Garden Centres marks the start of the festive season

Christmas has come early as Dobbies Garden Centres kicks off the season in style at its Christmas Launch Weekend which takes place from Thursday 9th to Monday 13th October.

CCC treats audiences to a frightfully delightful family concert this Halloween

Children's Classic Concerts return with their popular Halloween concert performances in Glasgow and Edinburgh later this month!

SAY Award Longlist announced including Jacob Alon, Kathryn Joseph, Mogwai and more

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, Scotland's national music prize, has today revealed the 20 outstanding albums on 2025's Longlist.

Popular Listings

Adam Smith Theatre Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline Carnegie Hall Corn Exchange Cupar Kings Theatre Kirkcaldy Lochgelly Centre PJ Molloys Rothes Halls Teasses Estate The Byre Theatre St Andrews

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.

Sponsored Links

Latest Fife News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings