'Stuff A Bus' Initiative Returns To Collect Food For Families

Translink has announced a partnership with FareShare NI, U105 and Belfast Live to collect food items for families, school children, the homeless and those most in need

The 'Stuff and Bus' campaign returns in a bid to ensure no one faces hunger this Christmas.

Working with Homeless Connect's FareShare NI project, alongside partners U105 and Belfast Live, the much-needed campaign will see Translink's bus and rail stations open their doors to facilitate a different type of connection. Starting today, food collection points will be ready to accept donations from passengers, staff and the general public. These donations of dry goods such as pasta, cereal, tinned food and long-life items, will be distributed by FareShare to a range of community groups, schools, hostels and food banks, reaching those most in need and at risk of hunger this Christmas.

The Stuff a Bus appeal comes at a time when the cost-of-living crisis is at peak levels. With more families now facing severe financial difficulties, many of whom have never needed support before and are now finding themselves in need.

Commenting on the importance of this year's campaign, Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, said: "Many households will face a challenging Christmas this year. The current cost-of-living crisis is forcing even more families into poverty, with one in six people in Northern Ireland facing hunger, so our aim with Stuff a Bus is to help make sure no-one goes hungry this Christmas.

"This year we're opening our stations to accept food donations at special collection points, which FareShare will distribute through their network, ensuring it goes directly to those at real risk of hunger, including children, the homeless, and the elderly.

"Our staff, passengers and partners have always given so generously in the past and I've no doubt this year's campaign will continue to make a real difference to those who need help the most."

Nicola McCrudden, CEO Homeless Connect (FareShare NI) commented: "Unfortunately, many households across Northern Ireland are feeling the effects of rising food costs, where the weekly food shop is quite simply becoming an impossible and somewhat dreaded task. At FareShare in Northern Ireland, we have been redistributing good quality, surplus food to local charities, community groups, schools and hostels for thirteen years ensuring those most in need of sustenance will benefit. We can't express the gratitude we have to be partnering with Translink for this year's Stuff a Bus campaign which will not only allow us to feed many more people in the lead up to Christmas but will also help raise awareness of the great work that our staff and volunteer teams do on a weekly basis for those most in need in Northern Ireland."

FareShare is the largest food redistribution network in Northern Ireland and continually supports a variety of organisations including charity groups, schools, and homeless hostels. With strong connections across all areas of this campaign, the focus is on 2023 to be the biggest campaign yet.

Sheena McStravick,Editor Belfast Live commented: "We are honoured to once again partner with the Stuff a Bus campaign this year.We hear daily shocking statistics and real-life stories from people across our communities who are struggling to feed their families.This is why we know how important initiatives like this are helping to eradicate hunger and ensure that no family goes without food.'

Peter McVerry Station Manager U015 commented: "The full team at U105 are thrilled to be involved with the Stuff s Bus campaign for the seventh year running. We are encouraging you to donate as much as you can, every single food donation can make a huge difference to those in need."

Donations can be made in bus and rail stations until 19 December. As well as food donations, monetary donations can be made online via at: www.stuffabusni.com

Follow the conversation online using #StuffABusNI or keep up to date with fundraising efforts and announcements on U105 Radio and Belfast Live.