Corporate partner Andron on collaboration, kindness and Christmas

What inspired you to support Social Bite? 

We’ve supported Social Bite since 2020, when our CEO Cheryl Stewart took on the role of key worker on behalf of Social Bite during the pandemic, delivering food parcels to individuals and families across Edinburgh. That same year we employed an individual supported by Social Bite, becoming one of the first private companies in the UK to employ someone experiencing homelessness. This eventually evolved into us becoming a pilot employer for the Jobs First programme.

Every year since, we’ve supported Social Bite with employment, corporate donations and fundraising, including co-sponsoring one of the Social Bite village houses in South Lanarkshire.

Social Bite is a fantastic charity to collaborate with, and it’s especially meaningful to work alongside an organisation that so closely shares our values around dignity and inclusion. We are continually inspired by their work and proud to support an organisation that delivers real, lasting change for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

The Andron Christmas volunteering period also wouldn’t be complete without our annual support of Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness, a much-loved campaign that our teams across Scotland eagerly look forward to each year.

What stands out to you about Social Bite’s approach?

Bradie Marques, Community and Training Manager, explains: “It came as a surprise to me how solution-oriented the team at Social Bite is. It’s powerful to see an organisation identify the issue and, in the same breath, have momentum behind actioning the solution.

The issue that I’ve heard of with big organisations/charities is the amount of red tape there is to sort through, and in that prolonged time the client/ service user can become discouraged and then get lost in the ‘systemic blockers’.

Emma Colgan-Blair, Jobs First Programme Coordinator, walked me through their process from start to finish, and this led me to conclude that it’s an organisation that really honours the individual.”

 

How have Andron colleagues supported Social Bite and Festival of Kindness this winter?

Our colleagues in Aberdeen spent their lunch breaks and spare time outside of work to sign Christmas cards and gift tags, and hosted a Christmas Jumper Day fundraiser to support the campaign.

Andron’s Accounts Supervisor Julie Tetzner spent the day at the Aberdeen Tree of Kindness, speaking with members of the public and explaining the difference even the smallest donation can make. Julie also volunteered at Social Bite’s Aberdeen café on Christmas Eve—something she has done for several years.

In Edinburgh, colleagues wrapped up their final volunteering day of the year by packing rucksacks filled with essential items, including thermal clothing, hot water bottles, hats, scarves, gloves, socks, toiletries and selection boxes. These rucksacks will support around 2,500 people experiencing homelessness across Scotland, including in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

Beyond our direct support, we also partnered with our client JLL on our annual Let’s Give Together Campaign, raising funds for Social Bite alongside other charities. Andron also made corporate donations to the Festival of Kindness.

Can you tell us about one memorable moment volunteering or fundraising for Social Bite in the Festival of Kindness?

“The most memorable part was just being there and giving my time,” says Julie Tetzner, Accounts Supervisor. “Meeting the amazing people who worked at the Tree of Kindness, who have been out every day since the beginning of the campaign. Highlighting to the public the reason behind the tree and what differences their donations make, no matter how small.”

 

What would you say to someone considering supporting the Festival of Kindness?

“I would say get involved, because the Festival of Kindness genuinely makes a difference,” says Martin McAtee, Retail Regional Manager. “At Andron, we’ve proudly supported Social Bite for the past five years, and every year we see first-hand the real impact it has on people facing homelessness.

“Whether it’s donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, even a small contribution can have a huge impact. The Festival of Kindness brings people together around a simple idea, that kindness, when shared, can change lives, and we’re always keen to encourage others to be part of that.”

A HUGE thank you to everyone at Andron for their ongoing support – both year-round through the Jobs First programme and corporate donations, and for their incredible efforts volunteering in so many ways at Festival of Kindness. We couldn’t do it without you!