The Manchester Foodbank’s latest campaign is urging people to take part in the reverse advent challenge – filling a parcel with basic foods each day in the run up to Christmas so it can then be donated to help those who need it.
With one in five people in the UK living below the poverty line and the Manchester Central foodbank alone providing 4,014 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis just in the last year, it’s now more than ever that food banks need help. Acknowledging this need for help, the Manchester Central foodbank has set up its Christmas campaign, the reverse advent calendar.
This Advent -have you thought about doing a REVERSE advent challenge? Email us for more info – fundraising@manchestercentral.foodbank.org.uk pic.twitter.com/8RWdVPz3qo
— Manchester Foodbank (@McrFoodbank) November 28, 2016
Amy Wisenseld works at The Manchester Central foodbank and was the driving force behind the campaign. She said:
“We know the reverse advent calendar is something that is done all over the UK at Christmas time and we thought it was a really good idea. This is the first time we’ve done here at Manchester Central, so really it’s like a pilot project. We thought we could really get people thinking about how they can give back during advent, instead of opening a door and taking a chocolate, you’re giving something back instead of receiving for yourself.”
When asked about what’s best to put into a donation, she said:
“Anything that’s non-perishable is great. At the moment we’re trying to make people think of things you wouldn’t normally think of, such as women’s sanitary products, can openers and toothpaste. It’s about trying to think of how you can make your donation really useful to someone who needs it. And of course, we do try and ask people to give Christmas treats as it’s the festive period.”
The campaign is asking for just nine days of giving. However, you can do more or less depending on what you’re able to give. It’s simply filling a parcel with inexpensive foodbank necessities and then when you’re done take the parcel to your nearest foodbank. It’s a way of helping those less fortunate and giving a Christmas gift unlike any other. A great way to do some good this festive season.
The Manchester Central foodbank is just one of many foodbanks asking for people to take up a reverse advent calendar this year. All over the country there is a serious need for help where people can give it, with more people than ever relying on foodbanks, there is no time like the present to get involved and help where you can.
Christmas is meant to be a time for giving and sharing, so what better way to give back to the local community? It’s easy to get wrapped up in the presents, spending and shopping at Christmas time so try and spare a thought, and even some food, to those who really need it.
Here’s just some of the people getting involved:
Our next reverse advent calendar. Fill a box with an item of food each day in the run up to Christmas & donate where appropriate! #FoodBank pic.twitter.com/nHcwcH054Q
— Charlotte Maslin (@CharMaslin) December 5, 2016
Nice 1st day of our #ReverseAdventCalendar at work. Take something in each day then drop the box at a Scottish Foodbank. ? pic.twitter.com/dBrP5l09tG
— Paul Harper (@impaulharper) December 1, 2016
As well as The Manchester Central Foodbank, there’s the local Salford Central foodbank that can take your Christmas donations as well.
Find your local foodbank at: https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/
https://soundcloud.com/user-844403577/local-the-reverse-advent-calendar
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