In celebration of International Volunteer Day (Tuesday, 5th December 2023), London’s original food redistribution charity, City Harvest, is rallying people and businesses across the UK to combat the pressing issue of food poverty by getting involved in volunteering.
Amidst the abundance of festive feasts, it’s crucial to remember those who can’t indulge. With the equivalent of 4 million Christmas dinners wasted annually in the UK and almost 5 million Britons struggling to put food on their tables, volunteering with City Harvest becomes a powerful way of channelling the festive spirit by actively participating in the fight against hunger.
Charities like City Harvest play a pivotal role by rescuing surplus food and redistributing it to those in need, including schools, food banks, community centres, and various other organisations, and this International Volunteer Day, City Harvest invites people to join the fight against food poverty.
Volunteering directly and positively impacts the lives of those in need and offers personal fulfilment and a sense of purpose. It’s an opportunity to be part of a collective effort to create positive change. Opportunities range from assisting in food collections to supporting distribution efforts.
Sarah Calcutt, CEO at City Harvest, said: “Volunteering is a transformative experience, not just for those we help, but for the volunteers themselves. It’s a chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of others while discovering a profound sense of purpose and community.”
FIVE REASONS TO VOLUNTEER
Spread Holiday Cheer to Those in Need:
Volunteering with City Harvest allows you to bring joy and relief to individuals and families experiencing food poverty during the holiday season. By helping redistribute surplus food, you become essential to spreading the spirit of giving and making Christmas brighter for those facing challenges.
Have a Social Impact on Your Community:
By volunteering with City Harvest for a day, volunteers have the chance to make a direct positive impact on thousands of vulnerable people in London. Because of the time volunteers give to helping City Harvest, many Londoners facing obstacles such as homelessness, food poverty, and/or domestic abuse will have access to a nutritious meal.
Create Lasting Memories and Traditions:
Volunteering with City Harvest during Christmas can become a meaningful and heartwarming tradition for individuals, families, or groups of friends. Create lasting memories by spending time together while making a positive difference. Share the experience and encourage others to join in the spirit of giving.
Help the Environment:
There is a significant environmental impact to City Harvest’s work, too. The food we rescue would otherwise go to landfill, releasing harmful greenhouse gases as it decomposes. Therefore, volunteering will also make a tremendous difference to people and the planet!
Start the New Year on a Positive Note:
Volunteering with City Harvest is not just a Christmas activity; it can also be a positive and impactful way to kick off the New Year. By getting involved, you set a compassionate tone for the upcoming year, resolving to continue contributing to the well-being of your community.
Since 2014, City Harvest has been on a mission to reduce food insecurity and protect the planet by diverting quality, nutritious, edible surplus food from waste and redistributing it to those facing food poverty. The funds raised through the gift cards will support City Harvest’s mission to alleviate food poverty in London.
This year, the charity invites consumers, local businesses, and communities across the UK to mark International Volunteer Day by joining the fight against food poverty. Together, we can make a significant impact and ensure that no one goes to bed hungry.
