Caritas Salford joins forces with Manchester’s Doodledo studio for an impactful Christmas animation, continuing their annual tradition.
- This year, the #BeeThere campaign blends humor with a profound message about homelessness and poverty.
- Director Patrick O’Dowd highlights the struggles faced by many amid rising living costs.
- The initiative urges community support, with a virtual gift catalog to aid those in need.
- Caritas Salford provides vital services across Greater Manchester and Lancashire to combat poverty and homelessness.
Caritas Salford has once again partnered with Doodledo, a creative studio based in Manchester, to release their annual Christmas animation. This collaboration has turned into a cherished tradition with the new installment of the #BeeThere series. The animation features bee characters in humorous yet thought-provoking Christmas adverts. This year’s campaign aims to shed light on serious social issues surrounding homelessness and poverty.
Patrick O’Dowd, the director of Caritas Salford, emphasizes the festive season’s duality—joy and pressure. ‘Christmas is a time for celebration,’ he remarks, but it’s also when many face the harsh reality of lacking basic needs. O’Dowd highlights the increasing financial burdens that force individuals into difficult decisions, such as choosing between nourishment and warmth. He points out the alarming statistic of over 333,000 children living in poverty within the local communities Caritas serves.
The #BeeThere campaign seeks to revive the true spirit of Christmas through community action. The charity encourages people to assist just one person during the holiday season, envisioning the potential positive impact on community welfare. Additionally, Caritas offers a variety of free resources accessible on their website for schools and community groups.
Furthering their effort to aid those in need, Caritas has developed a virtual gift catalog. This feature enables donations to be translated into essential items for local families, including bedding, clothing, and food supplies. O’Dowd stresses that poverty or homelessness could unexpectedly affect anyone, urging local support to maintain vital services like warm community spaces and essential resources.
As part of their mission, Caritas Salford extends comprehensive support services across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, addressing issues of poverty, homelessness, and general disadvantage. The organization continues to advocate for dignity and transformation for those in need, asking for community involvement to fulfill growing demands due to the cost-of-living crisis.
Through creativity and community involvement, Caritas Salford and Doodledo remind us of the true essence of Christmas.
