Married at First Sight UK star Matt Jameson has joined forces with modern slavery charity Causeway to launch The Big Causeway Regift. The campaign encourages the public to donate unwanted Christmas presents and gift vouchers to survivors of modern slavery. Modern slavery is on the rise, with over 100,000 individuals currently trapped in modern slavery and exploitation in the UK.
The Big Causeway Regift is asking the public to donate unwanted and unneeded Christmas presents and gift vouchers to those who have escaped modern slavery. The campaign has been launched by Causeway in collaboration with reality TV star and LGBTQ+ campaigner Matt Jameson. Matt made TV history when he was part of the first same-sex couple to get married on E4’s Married at First Sight UK in 2021.
Causeway are one of the largest providers of modern slavery support in the UK, and have been working with survivors of slavery and trafficking for nearly 20 years. They currently support over 1,000 individuals each year.
Modern slavery is on the rise. It is estimated that more than 50 million people around the world are currently trapped in modern slavery and exploitation, with over 100,000 of those in the UK. It’s projected that modern slavery costs the UK £33 billion per year.
The Christmas presents and gift vouchers donated to The Big Causeway Regift will be distributed to modern slavery survivors who are living in Causeway’s safe houses, and those Causeway are supporting in the community.
Alongside Matt Jameson, Happy Mondays singer Rowetta is also supporting the campaign, as well as leading decluttering Instagrammer, Orjenise.
Those looking to donate can email gift vouchers to LifeSupply@wearecauseway.org.uk – and visit Causeway’s website to find out where to drop-off or post gifts to: www.wearecauseway.org.uk/news-campaigns/causeway-campaigns/the-big-causeway-regift/
Matt Jameson, The Big Causeway Regift celebrity supporter, said: “Causeway support some of the most vulnerable and marginalised people in society. The modern slavery survivors they work with often come into their service with very few belongings, having to rebuild their lives from scratch. A simple thing such as regifting those extra Christmas presents or gift vouchers that you don’t really need, can have a such huge benefit for the people Causeway support. I’m really excited to be supporting The Big Causeway Regift, and I’d love everyone to head to Causeway’s website to find their local drop-off point or the postal address to donate their unneeded Christmas gifts to.”
Rowetta, The Big Causeway Regift celebrity supporter, said: “Causeway are such an important charity, supporting those that have been through some of the most appalling and heartbreaking situations. However, like all charities, they need our support. The Big Causeway Regift is such a great initiative, where you donate your unneeded Christmas presents to survivors of modern slavery. I’m sure we’ve all got that lovely present we’ve received but we know we don’t really need, or won’t use. Well it could be really beneficial to somebody who has just escaped modern slavery, and is trying to rebuild their life from scratch. You can either drop-off your gifts at one of Causeway’s drop-off points, or post them yourself. All you need to do is head to Causeway’s website to find out more.”
Amy Bond, Causeway’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We would be extremely grateful for donations of any gifts or gift vouchers you received this Christmas that you don’t feel you need, or which just aren’t quite for you. It could be a new coat to help a survivor stay warm in these winter months, or some new toys to bring joy to the children of survivors who are living in our safe houses. Your generous donations go a long way in helping survivors rebuild their confidence, security and pride.”
