Today, commuters in London Waterloo train station couldn’t believe their eyes as they were greeted by TV stars Vicky Pattison and Pete Wicks, dressed as festive elves at the Just Eat Giving Grotto, accepting donations for the food delivery platform’s Winter Meal Appeal.
Donning matching orange elf attire, including Christmas hats and bold striped tights, the pair surprised and delighted Londoners on their Monday morning commute. Passers-by were encouraged to donate what they could to the Just Eat Winter Meal Appeal, and in return Vicky and Pete gifted them with a meal on Just Eat.
The Giving Grotto was launched after research conducted by Just Eat reveals that despite feeling the pinch from the cost of living crisis, three quarters of people (75%) intend to make a charitable donation this winter, with over half of Brits (51%) motivated to do so as people are facing homelessness and hunger more now than ever before.
Brits are being more selfless than ever – with more than nine in 10 (92%) Brits planning to sacrifice life’s ”little luxuries” in order to be charitable, people are buying fewer clothes (41%), shopping second hand (28%) and going to the cinema less (24%).
All donations at the Giving Grotto go straight to the Just Eat Winter Meal Appeal, which has pledged to give at least a quarter of a million hot and freshly cooked meals to homeless, vulnerable and lonely people this winter via its charity partners, Social Bite and FoodCycle.
The Just Eat Giving Grotto accepted donations including monetary or essential items. Those who were unable to come down on the day can still support the Just Eat Winter Meal Appeal, by donating £1, £5 or £10 at checkout when they next order a meal on Just Eat – all funds raised will be split equally between FoodCycle and Social Bite.
Pete Wicks, Winter Meal Appeal Ambassador commented: “I’m honored to be an ambassador for Just Eat’s Winter Meal Appeal along with one of my best pals Vicky Pattison.
Earlier this month we got the chance to volunteer at FoodCycle, one of Just Eat’s charity partners, where we cooked and dished up hot meals for those in need. And today we had the best time spreading a little festive cheer dressed as elves at the Just Eat Giving Grotto.
It was great to see so many members of the public come together to support Just Eat’s Winter Meal Appeal. For those who couldn’t get down to see us,there’s still time to support those in need by donating £1, £5 or £10 at the checkout when they next order a meal on Just Eat. ”
Committed to reaching its target of a quarter of million hot meals, Just Eat kick-started the Winter Meal Appeal with a £250,000 donation and is using its network as a force for good, drawing on its employees and delivery couriers to volunteer and fundraise too.
Victoria Gold, UK and Ireland Marketing Director for Just Eat commented: “Our Winter Meal Appeal supports our brilliant charity partners, FoodCycle and Social Bite, to help make a difference to those facing the threat of homelessness, loneliness and food poverty. With thousands facing a tough winter, we’re committed to giving at least 250,000 hot and freshly cooked meals to those in need.
The Giving Grotto is a brilliant initiative to help raise awareness of our Winter Meal Appeal and Vicky & Pete did a brilliant job in lifting spirits and encouraging passers-by to come together and support those who need it this winter.”
