The Brick has released its own little Christmas advert featuring Bowie the puppy, who helps battle stigma as part of the organisation’s efforts to help the increasing number of people facing day to day poverty.
Labradoodle Bowie, named after the rock icon David Bowie because of his different coloured eyes, began riding along on deliveries with his owner and it was soon noticed that his joyful presence was helping to take away embarrassment felt by some of those needing help.
The Brick’s vital Multibank initiative takes surplus and unwanted stock from businesses and uses it to provide essential resources, such as hygiene products, food, and cleaning supplies, to families and individuals facing poverty and homelessness across the North West of England.
The Brick is part of a wider national coalition of five charities, working collaboratively, with former Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s support, to deliver the Multibank initiative.
Keely Dalfen, CEO of The Brick said: “Rising living costs are forcing families into impossible situations—parents trying to clean their children’s clothes with washing up liquid because they cannot afford washing powder and babies arriving at nursery wearing the same nappies from the night before.
“Poverty is incredibly widespread and impacts a huge range of people – we know of countless people who are doing two or even three jobs and are still really struggling to provide the essentials for themselves or their families.
“These harsh realities are what The Brick works tirelessly to address, and your donations can make a life-changing difference this Christmas.
On 11 month old Bowie’s newfound role she added:
“When Bowie, who is owned by one of our fabulous delivery drivers, started to join him in the van, we realised that the fun and joy he brought was really helping to take away some of the stigma many people feel because they are struggling and need help.
“So as well as making our vans unbranded, we also made Bowie the delivery dog a regular fixture, because we don’t want anyone we deliver much needed essentials to feeling embarrassed or ashamed that they need help.
“Bowie is a special boy, doing a special job.”
“With the support we get from the many generous folk out there we help local families move from surviving to thriving and restore dignity and hope to those in need.”
Mark Woods from Really Good Films who made the festive film said: “The fact that The Brick spotted the positive impact Bowie was having underlines not just the crucial work they do, but also the sensitive and thoughtful way they do it too.”
Supporters can donate via www.thebrick.org.uk/donate/