CUSTOMERS of NatWest Bank across the Wellington and West Somerset areas are being encouraged to spread some Christmas cheer by supporting a national homelessness charity.
The bank has introduced a new way for its customers to support Social Bite in the fight against homelessness this festive season.
Through its mobile app-based ‘MyRewards’ programme, customers can now easily donate their available rewards above £5 in value to buy a Christmas dinner with Social Bite for somebody experiencing homelessness.
NatWest has also pledged to match all donations to any of its 16 ‘MyRewards’ charities, including Social Bite, up to the value of £50 until December 31, up to a total of £150,000.
So far this festive season, NatWest customers have donated enough rewards to fund 7,588 Christmas and winter meals for people who are vulnerable or experiencing homelessness.
The initiative comes as part of Social Bite’s ‘Festival of Kindness’, an annual mission which aims to provide 300,000 meals, gifts, and essential items to people who are homeless and vulnerable at Christmas.
NatWest has previously worked with the Scottish charity to open a coffee outlet for colleagues and visitors in its Royal Bank headquarters in the capital Edinburgh, as well as launching a public coffee shop at its site at 440 Strand, London.
Since the launch in 2020 of ‘Festival of Kindness’, Social Bite has successfully distributed 1.1 million meals, gifts, and essentials to people who are homeless during the festive period.
NatWest South West regional board chairman Faye Long 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 do not know how.
“We are 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 everybody to join in and help make the festive season a little brighter for the most vulnerable in our society.”
Social Bite founder Josh Littlejohn said: “Social Bite is proud to have had the support of NatWest for a number of years, and together, we have made great strides to help people break the cycle of homelessness.
“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 is more important than ever that we do what we can to help people affected by homelessness and food poverty.
“A big thank you to all the wonderful NatWest customers who chose to donate their rewards to Social Bite.
“Your contribution will make a real difference to somebody in need, including a hot meal with all the trimmings in loving company on Christmas Day.”