Birmingham Rep have announced a collaboration with the Trussell Trust in order to help those who may be facing a challenging winter - with 51% of children in Birmingham living in the 10% most deprived areas in the UK.
From Sat 19 Nov, in partnership with the Trussell Trust’s food bank network, audiences and members of the public will be able to make donations to be shared with local foodbanks. Located in the theatre foyer, donations of non-perishable items can be made where they will then be distributed to food banks across the city with the help of The Rep’s volunteers.
The average cost of school uniform is now estimated to be £300 per child. Throughout the run of Nativity! The Musical, audiences and members of the public will also be able to donate items of school uniform to be shared with those who need it most.
Trussell Trust support a nationwide network of food banks, which provide emergency food and support to people locked in poverty, and have a vision of ending the need for food banks in the UK.
Suzi Lea from Aston and Nechells Foodbank said; “Nobody should have to come to a food bank, but this winter we are expecting many will have to come to access our support due to the cost-of-living crisis. Between September 2021-August 2022, Aston and Nechells Foodbank fed 5,029 people; 1,548 of those were children. As we prepare for a hard winter, any donation given to help our work will be gratefully received”
Attending the theatre during the festive season is an annual tradition for many families. This winter, The Rep are asking tickets bookers to consider buying an extra ticket when making their booking which will be passed on to those would otherwise be unable to attend the theatre. The Rep will work with community partners to offer these tickets to families facing extreme hardship in the city. Gift A Seat is available when booking tickets for Nativity! The Musical online and over the telephone priced at £17.50. The Rep is an independent charity that relies on the support of donors and audiences to continue producing theatre for everyone. Bucket collections will also take place after selected shows over the festive period.
Rachael Thomas, Executive Director at The Rep said; “Whilst the festive season is a time for celebration and coming together, it is also a time for reflection and helping others. We know that our extremely kind, generous audiences and supporters will help us this winter in coming together to help those in our city in the most need.”
Food and school uniform donation points will be available in The Rep foyer throughout the day and during performance times from 19 Nov 22 – 7 Jan 23.
For more information, visit Birmingham-rep.co.uk.
