Stuff a Bus – Translink, FareShare NI, U105 and Belfast Live launch anniversary appeal as public, schools and businesses are asked to help tackle food insecurity this Christmas.
Translink’s Stuff a Bus campaign has returned for its 10th year, calling on people across Northern Ireland to donate food, fundraise and support local communities facing food insecurity this Christmas.
The anniversary appeal follows a record 2025 campaign, when public donations, workplace collections and fundraising activity helped provide 36,382 meals for people in need across Northern Ireland, exceeding the campaign’s 30,000-meal target.
Delivered by Translink in partnership with FareShare NI, operated by Homeless Connect, and media partners U105 and Belfast Live, Stuff a Bus makes it simple for passengers, workplaces, schools and local communities to take practical action during the festive period.
People can donate non-perishable food at participating Translink bus and rail stations across Northern Ireland, give online via stuffabusni.com or register their workplace, school or organisation as a Stuff a Bus partner.
Donations will be distributed by FareShare NI through its network of charities, community groups, schools, food banks and homelessness services, supporting people who need help most this winter.
That support is needed now more than ever. Recent Food Standards Agency research found that around one in five respondents in Northern Ireland, 22%, were experiencing food insecurity, stressing the continued importance of practical support for people and families this winter.
Gerard Carlin, Group Chief Executive of Translink, said:
“For 10 years, Stuff a Bus has shown what Northern Ireland can do when people, businesses and communities pull together for a shared purpose.
“Last year, the public helped us exceed our target and provide more than 36,000 meals for people facing real pressure over the winter. That support made a direct difference, but the need has not gone away.
“As we mark this anniversary, we are asking passengers and communities across Northern Ireland to make Stuff a Bus part of their Christmas journeys. Dropping a few items into a collection point at a Translink bus or rail station, organising a workplace collection or making an online donation can help FareShare NI support people across Northern Ireland at a difficult time of year.”
Nicola McCrudden, CEO of Homeless Connect said:
“Christmas should be a time of warmth and celebration, but for many people and families across Northern Ireland it can also be an especially difficult time of year. Behind every donation to Stuff a Bus is someone who will benefit from that generosity.
“Our team works throughout the year to distribute food to charities and community organisations, but the need for support becomes particularly acute over the winter months. Stuff a Bus gives everyone a simple, practical way to make a real difference.
“Last year’s record response showed the incredible generosity of local communities and businesses across Northern Ireland. We are hugely grateful to Translink, U105, Belfast Live and to everyone who donates to Stuff a Bus.”
During the campaign, participating stations will host food donation points for long-life and non-perishable items, including tins, pasta, cereal, rice, tea, coffee and festive food.
How to get involved:
- Donate food: Drop non-perishable items at participating Translink bus and rail stations across Northern Ireland until 17th December.
- Give online: Make a monetary donation at stuffabusni.com
- Get your workplace involved: Register as a corporate partner and FareShare NI will collect donations directly from your office or organisation.
The campaign will culminate in a festive celebration at Belfast Grand Central Station on Thursday 17th December, featuring live coverage from U105, community performances, and volunteers helping to “stuff” the bus with final donations - a joyful finale to a powerful community effort.
There will also be regional collection days across Northern Ireland, giving people more opportunities to drop off donations and be part of the campaign locally.
Together, we can make this Christmas brighter for thousands of families across Northern Ireland.
