Christmas Markets glass-exchange to support Real Change MCR
Christmas Market visitors have the opportunity to support a local good cause while having a festive tipple at one of Manchester’s famous Christmas markets in the city centre.
This year, market goers can support the local charity Real Change MCR by choosing not to reclaim a small deposit on their festive drink glasses.
Visitors to the markets can deposit their plastic beer cups into a donations bin, instead of claiming their £2 deposit back, with funds raised going directly to Real Change MCR.
The beer glass deposit scheme is currently operating in four out of the ten Christmas Markets: with two deposit bins in Albert Square, one in Piccadily Gardens and one at Bar 3 on New Cathedral Street.
Street Smart £1 campaign
This sits alongside another partnership between Real Change MCR and Street Smart which allows diners in participating restaurants in the city to donate a voluntary £1 on their bill.
With support from CityCo even more restaurants in Manchester are taking part in the scheme this year.
Both of these initiatives involve a simple decision to donate to a very worthy cause to bolster funds to help people who are homeless in the city. These acts of generosity in the season of goodwill help Real Change MCR – to continue its important work supporting people build new lives away from the streets.
Grants are awarded to individuals to help them get off – and stay off – the streets. The majority of the money funds a deposit on a flat or the first month’s rent. The charities applying for the funding then provide long term support to help people continue on their journey to independent living.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council said:
“We welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors to our world-famous Christmas Markets, and we know that they are a generous lot who want to spread our renowned Mancunian Christmas spirit helping others. Many of them may not know which charity to donate to, so this year we’ve made it really easy by providing glass deposit bins at some of our markets and people can donate an early Christmas present to a really worthy charity helping people experiencing homelessness.”
Councillor Joanna Midgley, deputy leader of Manchester City Council said:
“This year, visitors enjoying a festive drink at four out of the ten Christmas Markets can choose to donate their glass deposit by dropping their glass into one of the designated bins. All proceeds will support Real Change MCR, an umbrella fund for a range of organisations helping people experiencing homelessness across the city. It’s a simple way to make a real difference – a win win for everyone.”
James Charnock, Real Change MCR Chair said:
“We are really pleased to work with Manchester Christmas Markets who are helping us to raise funds to help people who are genuinely in need. I would like to say a big thank you for making this happen and a thank you in advance to the people who visit the markets and deposit their glasses.”
Alex King-Byatt, Managing Director, CityCo said:
“CityCo is proud to support Manchester’s street homeless community through a new partnership with StreetSmart and LandAid. For over a decade, Manchester’s business community has backed Real Change MCR – a vital fund that helps people move off the streets and into safe, permanent accommodation. This winter, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate to further that mission. Together, small gestures can lead to real change.”
The Street Smart scheme is up and running in a number of restaurants across the city – full list signed up so far are:
Blue Eyed Panda, Ancoats
Climat, Manchester City Centre
Tampopo: Albert Square, Manchester City Centre.
Tampopo: Corn Exchange, Manchester City Centre.
Stretford Canteen, Stretford
Banyan, Corn Exchange
Banyan, Spinningfields
Manahatta, Deansgate
Tartuffe (Side Street), Manchester City Centre.
Tender, Stock Exchange Hotel, Manchester City Centre.
Lina Stores, Manchester City Centre.
Bottega by San Carlo at Selfridges, Exchange Square
Frog and Bucket, Manchester City Centre.
Ezra & Gill, Hilton Street, Manchester City Centre.
Ezra & Gill, Peter Street, Manchester City Centre.
Mana, Ancoats, Manchester City Centre.
Bar Posie, Manchester City Centre.
10 Tib Lane, Manchester City Centre
Erst , Manchester City Centre
Podium, Manchester City Centre
