2020 has been a tough year. There's absolutely no doubt about it, the coronavirus pandemic has impacted everyone in different ways whether financially, emotionally or physically.
With every industry and way of life affected and so much uncertainty ahead team Marie Claire wanted to help and give back. This week we launched our #SaveTheArts campaign - shining a spotlight on the creative industries which have been impacted by months and months of lockdown - and we're thrilled to announce that we've partnered with the incredible The Trussell Trust.
The Trussell Trust are an UK charity committed to end hunger in the UK. Supporting a nationwide network of food banks and together we provide emergency food and support to people locked in poverty, and campaign for change to end the need for food banks in the UK. Providing people and communities with the tools to set up foodbanks for those in need but with an overall commitment to remove the need for foodbanks.
We're partnering with the The Trussell Trust on their #ChristmasForEveryone initiative - where no one has to go hungry this festive season.
With the rapid spread of the virus and areas of the country in multiple tiered lockdowns entire industries and thousands of businesses have been forced to shut for months at a time. Unemployment is at an all-time high and with the uncertainty of redundancies, ongoing furloughs a devastating knock-on effect of the pandemic.
Employment uncertainty and lack of money has forced more of us than ever before to turn to food banks in 2020. With families with children the hardest hit and most likely to need support. The Trussell Trust reports forecast a
61% increase in food parcels needed across its UK network in October to December. With six parcels given out every minute.This equates to 846,000 food parcels being given out across the trusts network.
It all feels so overwhelming and very close to home as we're all only one or two pay checks away from needing support.
What can we do to create a hunger-free future?
Well, this is the ultimate goal of The Trussell Trust who's overall commitment to remove the need for foodbanks. Creating a future where everyone can afford the essentials - no matter what their circumstances in life.
As such, the charity is calling on all of us to join their Hunger Free Future campaign today, to be part of their growing movement to ensure everyone has access to one of our most basic necessities in life - food. Starting with #ChristmasForEveryone.
And you can do this by helping in four different, but easily achievable, ways.
1, Make a donation
If you're able to donate money, do. It makes a massive difference on the ground at the foodbanks. Click here to give either a one-off or a regular donation to The Trussell Trust. If you don't have any change to spare donations of clothing, shoes toys, furniture and more are all welcome. Click here to read how you can donate goods.
Over 90% of the food distributed by The Trussell Trust is donated by the public. Donating food is something you can do at your local supermarket or, in person (wearing appropriate PPE), click here to see where your local foodbank is and learn more about the key items to donate to ensure there is a #ChristmasForEveryone.
2, Add your name to their campaign
Quick and easy this is a great way to show your support. If you feel comfortable you can share #ChristmasForEveryone with friends and family too.
3, Volunteer your time
If you're looking for a practical way to pitch in and help your local community you can learn more about volunteering here. There are over 28,000 volunteers across The Trussell Trust network supporting hundreds of thousands of people across the UK in crisis.
4, Fundraise for The Trussell Trust
With Christmas parties and family gatherings happening virtually this year you can donate what you'd have spent in petrol, food or drinks at your local to the charity to ensure there's a #ChristmasForEveryone.
