White Rose Shopping Centre launches 'reverse advent calendar' to help Leeds food banks this Christmas

It's part of a charity initiative to provide essentials to families in Leeds who are living in poverty.

The downloadable calendar makes suggestions on items that could be donated to Leeds South & East Food Bank over the festive period.

For each day leading up to Christmas, shoppers are encouraged to pick up one of 24 items and donate.

-> Go inside the White Rose Shopping Centre when it first opened in 1997

Items include essentials such as tinned potatoes, tinned vegetables, shampoo and rice.

There are also items designed to spread a little Christmas cheer such as selection boxes and chocolates.

Steven Foster, General Manager of White Rose Shopping Centre comments: “This year has been incredibly challenging for many people, meaning a number of families in the local area will need help this Christmas.

"The work that the Leeds South & East Food Bank is incredible, and we’d like to show our support by encouraging shoppers to download our Reverse Advent Calendar and donate to help give back to the local community.”

Nathanya Laurent, Development Manager at Leeds South & East Food Bank: “Last December, with help from the community, Leeds South & East Foodbank fed nearly 1,500 people.

"However due to the challenges that many individuals and families are facing this year we expect this figure to rise significantly.

"Any donations that people are able to contribute are greatly appreciated to help us support people living in poverty in Leeds over the Christmas period.”

White Rose Shopping Centre’s ‘Reverse Advent Calendar’ can be downloaded at white-rose.co.uk/give-back-your-community-christmas.

Shoppers will be able to drop food into Leeds South & East Foodbank at the donation station next by White Rose’s customer service centre near New Look, between December 1-24.

-> The Trinity Leeds, White Rose and Victoria Quarter shops staying open during lockdown 2

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