Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has announced its participation in Translink’s 2025 Stuff a Bus campaign, an initiative that helps ensure no one in Northern Ireland goes hungry this Christmas.

Now entering its ninth year, the award-winning Stuff a Bus campaign is delivered by Translink in partnership with FareShare NI, Belfast Live, and U105. The campaign provides vital food support to families and individuals facing hardship during the festive season.

Research shows that one in six people across Northern Ireland are experiencing hunger, with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis placing increasing pressure on households. Through Stuff a Bus, communities can come together to make a meaningful difference.

Until December 18, the council will support the campaign by providing food collection points at Mossley Mill, Antrim Civic Centre and Ballyclare Town Hall.

Launching this year’s Stuff a Bus campaign were (L-R) Cllr Billy Webb MBE JP, Róisín Colohan, Operations Manager at Fairshare NI, Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Cllr Julie Gilmour, Father Christmas, Ed Dinnen, Assistant Service Delivery Manager at Translink and Cllr Julian McGrath, Chair of the Council’s Anti-Poverty Steering Group.

placeholder image — Launching this year’s Stuff a Bus campaign were (L-R) Cllr Billy Webb MBE JP, Róisín Colohan, Operations Manager at Fairshare NI, Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Cllr Julie Gilmour, Father Christmas, Ed Dinnen, Assistant Service Delivery Manager at Translink and Cllr Julian McGrath, Chair of the Council’s Anti-Poverty Steering Group.

Everyone is encouraged to donate non-perishable food items all of which will be distributed directly to local food banks, community groups, schools, and frontline charities across Northern Ireland.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick said: “This initiative supports the ‘Food Support’ pillar of the council’s Anti-Poverty Strategy, promoting a joined-up approach to tackling food insecurity and supporting communities across the borough.

"It captures the spirit of giving that defines our community, and by working together, we can make sure that no family goes hungry this Christmas.”

Ed Dinnen, assistant service delivery manager at Translink added: “Stuff a Bus is a key part of Translink’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities, particularly at Christmas, and we’re delighted to have Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council on board this year.

(L-R) Róisín Colohan, Operations Manager at Fairshare NI, Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Cllr Julie Gilmour, and Ed Dinnen, Assistant Service Delivery Manager at Translink.

"Each Christmas, the campaign brings people together across Northern Ireland to help those facing hunger, showing the power of community spirit. Whether through food donations at our stations, corporate support, or monetary contributions online, it’s an easy and meaningful way to make a difference and help create a brighter Christmas for families and individuals in need.”

For more information is available online at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/stuff-a-bus and stuffabusni.com