NatWest Cymru backs Social Bite to tackle homelessness this Christmas

NatWest Cymru is urging its customers in Wales to help spread festive cheer this Christmas by donating through its MyRewards programme to support Social Bite, a national homelessness charity.

Customers using the NatWest mobile app can now donate their available Rewards (over £5) to Social Bite, enabling the charity to provide Christmas dinners to individuals experiencing homelessness.

NatWest has pledged to match donations to any of its 16 MyRewards charities, including Social Bite, up to £50 per donation until 31 December, with a total matching cap of £150,000.

The initiative is part of Social Bite’s ‘Festival of Kindness,’ which aims to distribute 300,000 meals, gifts, and essential items to homeless and vulnerable individuals during the festive season.

Jessica Shipman, Chair of the NatWest Cymru Regional Board, said: “Social Bite makes a positive difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. The festive season often brings into focus the hardship so many face every day.

“We know that people want to help but don’t know how. We’re excited to support Social Bite’s inspiring ‘Festival of Kindness’ initiative, giving our customers a way to gift a homeless person a warm meal.

“We encourage everyone to join in and help make the festive season a little brighter for the most vulnerable in our society.”

Social Bite, a Scottish-based charity, has been a longstanding partner of NatWest. Previous collaborations include opening coffee outlets at NatWest sites in Edinburgh and London, providing training and employment opportunities to individuals affected by homelessness.

Josh Littlejohn MBE, Founder of Social Bite, expressed gratitude for the partnership. “Social Bite is proud to have had the support of NatWest for a number of years, and together, we’ve made great strides to help people break the cycle of homelessness,” he said.

“For many of us, Christmas is a period where we look forward to spending time with friends, family and loved ones. However, the reality is very different for people without a place to call home over the festive season. With homelessness rising across the UK, it’s more important than ever that we do what we can to help people affected by homelessness and food poverty.”

Since its launch in 2020, Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness has distributed 1.1 million meals, gifts, and essential items to people in need. Donations made through the NatWest MyRewards app will help the charity reach its goal of providing 300,000 meals and essential supplies this Christmas.

For more information on NatWest’s MyRewards programme, visit: NatWest MyRewards.

Details of Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness can be found at: Social Bite.