Make a difference to others this Christmas

Unite launches Christmas appeal for struggling families – and Unite AGS Steve Turner shows how we can all help. He writes:

Reading time: 3 min

Marcus Rashford has been doing an amazing job in shining a light on the scandal of food poverty in this country. In Unite, we back what he is doing – and we want to do more.

As we approach Christmas I’m writing to Unite branches to support members in your local community that are in need.

Because of the Covid crisis millions of people have lost their jobs, now relying on a completely inadequate social security system. We know that having to wait five weeks to receive Universal Credit is causing untold hardship for families.

Unite is determined to do all it can to help.

Solidarity is about looking after one another, which is why as a union we are not prepared to sit back while families struggle to feed their families or buy Christmas toys for their kids.

Please ask your branch to link-up with our Unite Community branches to support your local food banks and other grass-roots charities.

Many of our branches already support their local food banks, which is fantastic. But if your’s doesn’t, please link up with Unite Community branches and make a real difference this Christmas.

Our Community members who regularly volunteer in food banks have told us that there has been a massive increase in demand since Covid.

Unite knows that food banks and charity are not the solution to the hunger children face. As a union we will continue to put pressure on the government to address the issues that cause poverty. Higher wages and a fairer social security system must be part of the way forward.

Our union’s branches and amazing members can make a real difference to so many this winter. And you could be a part of that.

To get into contact with your nearest Unite Community branch please email [email protected]

WHAT YOUR BRANCH CAN DO:

  • Make a financial donation to your local food bank
  • Ask your employer to support the appeal
  • Start a collection at your workplace – find out from your food bank what is needed. As well as food, it could be toys, warm children’s coats and shoes for winter

By Steve Turner, Unite assistant general secretary @SteveT_Unite

Related Articles