Musician releases charity Christmas single for North West Leeds food bank

Lewis Burner, 34, from Farsley, released his track 'The Other Side of Christmas' on Monday, November 30.

The song is based on a poem by Scarborough songwriter and poet Joe Solo.

It discusses the aftermath of the festive period and features poignant lyrics such as: "And the Poundland Santa's given all his Ho-Ho-Hope away, no sympathy, no bonhomie, no charity, no cheer.

"And the food that you all threw away, would feed me for a year."

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Lewis recorded the track at home during the national lockdown.

He then sent it to Joe who recorded the verse remotely.

Lewis said: "This Christmas single is a collaboration with my friend Joe Solo who is a great songwriter and activist.

"I recorded it at home and sent it to Joe to do his thing.

"I chose to support the food bank because there's a lot of people struggling in our communities right now and this is a way we can help."

The single is free to download and donations to Leeds North and West food-bank are encouraged.

Lewis hopes to raise £500 for the food bank.

You can donate to the fundraising on the GoFundMe page.

How you can get help from Leeds North West food bank:

The Leeds North West food bank works using a voucher referral system.

It works with a number of different agencies, such as Citizens Advice, children’s centres and health visitors, who can issue you with a food bank voucher.

The first step is to contact the food bank who can talk you through your situation and put you in touch with a relevant local agency.

The agency will discuss your situation and supply you with a food bank voucher where appropriate.

If you can’t afford food, you can call 0808 2082138 (freephone) to speak to a trained and independent Citizens Advice agent (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm).

Once you have been issued with a voucher, you can exchange this for a minimum of three days of emergency food at your nearest food bank centre.

A typical food parcel contains a minimum of three days of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable, tinned and dried foods that have been donated by the local community.

A typical food parcel includes: breakfast cereal, soup, pasta, rice, pasta sauce, baked beans, tinned meat, tinned vegetables, instant mash, UHT milk, tea, coffee, sugar, tinned dessert and biscuits.

Some food banks also provide fresh produce if they are able to.

Since May 4, the Leeds North West food bank has moved to a delivery only service due to the pandemic.

Leeds North West food bank will be delivering parcels up to December 23 and will begin again on December 29.

The team said: "We have been amazed by the continuing generosity of everyone in their ongoing support with food and toiletry donations to our food bank.

"From schools and churches, to street collections and supermarket collection points, as well as all the fantastic individuals from 8 year olds to people in their 90 ‘s visiting our centre and warehouse to bring their fabulous donations.

"We have now started to put together special packs of Christmas goods which will go out to people referred to us in the run up to Christmas in the hope of helping people enjoy the festive season.

"We will be delivering parcels up until December 23 and again on December 29 and 30 and would encourage anyone in need of support to arrange a referral by 21st December to enable us to ensure we get to you before Christmas."

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