Kind-hearted Geordies are being asked to donate £5 to help pay for hot meals for the homeless and vulnerable this winter.
The People's Kitchen, a volunteer organisation which has provided hot meals, friendship and essentials for Newcastle's homeless for 30 years, has launched its Christmas 'Feed a Friend' campaign. It is asking for people to pledge £5, to pay for a three-course hot meal for someone who might otherwise have to go without.
The meal is more than just a chance to eat. The People's Kitchen says a hot dinner - which many of us take for granted - is not always available, both to the street sleepers and those who are 'sofa surfing' around friends' or relatives' houses. As well as basic nutrition, a meal is a chance to chat and socialise.
Maureen Armstrong, who leads on Corporate Social Responsibility for The People’s Kitchen explained the difference a five pound donation can make.
She said: "We often take everyday things like a hot meal for granted but for many people living on the streets or sofa surfing between other people’s homes, a hot meal isn't always readily available.
"Apart from providing nutrition, eating a hot meal can be a social event encouraging friends to chat and enjoy each other’s company. It can also be a healing aid too for those with medical conditions helping to rebuild the body with nutritious and healthy meals.
"We can provide a three course meal for just £5 and all of the associated support that goes with it. If you can donate, it would be a tremendous Christmas gift to our friends."
Last year, more than £80,000 was raised by the People's Kitchen's fiver campaign. More then 200 volunteers give 3,500 hours of their time to run the People's Kitchen, which us run entirely by volunteers and is given no government funding.
How to donate a fiver to feed a homeless or vulnerable friend in Newcastle this Christmas
To donate, head to www.peopleskitchen.co.uk/feed-a-friend
Donations can also be made through the NEoffers.co.uk website neoffers.co.uk/products/homeless-newcastle-upon-tyne-christmas
