Across Northern Ireland this Christmas, thousands of families will depend on the kindness of strangers to put food on the table. Now in its ninth year, Stuff a Bus is back, rallying communities, businesses, and commuters to ‘fill buses’ with donations and hope for those who need it most.
The campaign unites Translink, FareShare (operated in Northern Ireland by Homeless Connect), and media partners U105 and Belfast Live in a shared mission: to collect enough food and funds to provide at least 30,000 meals for people experiencing hunger across Northern Ireland this Christmas.
For almost a decade, Stuff a Bus has brought people together across Northern Ireland to help those in need. Now in its third year working alongside FareShare NI, the campaign remains a vital lifeline for families facing hardship this Christmas.
With one in six people across Northern Ireland facing hunger, this year’s appeal is a renewed call for everyone to come together and make a difference.
Collection bins will appear at bus and rail stations across the region, from Belfast Grand Central Station to Newry, Coleraine, Bangor, Derry~Londonderry, and Enniskillen, making it simple for anyone to drop off a donation of non-perishable food items.
In addition to the public call for donations, local businesses are also encouraged to get involved by registering as official Stuff a Bus partners. From offices and shops to cafés and company headquarters, organisations can host a collection point in their workplace making it easy for employees and visitors to contribute.
Chris Conway, Group Chief Executive of Translink, said: “We’re so proud to see Stuff a Bus return for its ninth year, it’s a campaign that’s truly close to our hearts at Translink. Each Christmas, it brings out the very best in our communities, showing how much we can achieve when we come together with kindness and generosity.
“Every tin, every donation, every act of support helps put food on the table for someone who might otherwise go without. As people travel this festive season; whether commuting, shopping or visiting family, we’re encouraging everyone to make donating part of their journey. Together, we can help create a brighter Christmas for families right across Northern Ireland.”
Nicola McCrudden, CEO of Homeless Connect added: “Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly all year to make sure good food reaches those who need it most, but Christmas is always the hardest time for families under pressure. Demand for support continues to rise, and campaigns like Stuff a Bus are vital in helping us ensure no one in Northern Ireland goes hungry during the festive season.
“Thanks to our incredible partnership with Translink, U105, Belfast Live and the many businesses who take part, it’s now easier than ever for people to get involved. Whether through food donations, workplace collections, or online contributions, every act of kindness helps us deliver meals and hope to families who need it most.
“Together, we can make a real difference again this Christmas, bringing not just food, but comfort and community to people across Northern Ireland.”
How to get involved:
- Donate food: Drop non-perishable items at participating Translink bus and rail stations across Northern Ireland until 18thDecember.
- 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 18th 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, including the Northwest Transport Hub in Derry~Londonderry on Tuesday 16th December, and Newry Bus Station on Wednesday 17th December, giving people more opportunities to drop off donations and be part of the campaign locally.
Follow the conversation online using #StuffABusNI or keep up to date with fundraising efforts and announcements on U105 Radio and Belfast Live.
