A host of familiar Isle of Wight faces, including G4 singer Mike Christie and High Sheriff Nigel Hartley, have joined forces for a festive take on The 12 Days of Christmas, as the Isle of Wight Foodbank launches a special campaign encouraging Islanders to donate food to those in need this Christmas.
The charity has brought together local personalities, singers and young performers to create a Christmas music video with a difference, swapping the traditional gifts from the well-known song for food items that can help families struggling to make ends meet.
The video forms part of the foodbank’s 12 Days of Christmas campaign, which encourages Islanders to donate a selection of 12 festive food items throughout November, helping to provide additional Christmas treats and essentials for those who might otherwise go without.
Taking part in the video are Nigel Hartley MBE, High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight, singer-songwriter and G4 member Mike Christie, Proms ’26 soprano Thea Callaghan, young performers from Theatretrain and volunteers from the Isle of Wight Foodbank.
Each of the 12 days in the song features a different food item, with the charity hoping the light-hearted approach will encourage people to get involved, share the video and make a donation.
The campaign comes as Isle of Wight Foodbank marks 15 years of supporting people facing financial hardship across the Island, providing emergency food and practical assistance to those struggling to afford everyday essentials.
Despite the milestone, the charity says the continued demand for its services highlights the difficulties still being faced by many local households.
Mike Christie, singer-songwriter and member of G4, has said:
“I am humbled to show my support for the Isle of Wight Foodbank. It has been such fun creating and recording this music video of ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ with a foody twist!
“I hope it will not only bring a smile to people’s faces, but also serve as a gentle reminder that the true spirit of Christmas lies in kindness, compassion and looking out for one another.
“Christmas should be a time of joy, togetherness and generosity, yet for so many people and their loved ones, it can also be a time of enormous worry and hardship.
“Whilst many of us are fortunate enough to enjoy festive celebrations and tables laden with food, others are facing the heartbreaking reality of struggling to put even the most basic essentials on the table.
“The Isle of Wight Foodbank does extraordinary work supporting people in our community, and therefore we need your help! Something that might seem insignificant to one person could make an enormous difference to another.
“Nobody on our Island should have to face hunger, especially at Christmas, so any food item you can donate would be hugely appreciated.”
The donated items will help the foodbank put together additional festive food bags for people receiving support over Christmas, alongside its usual emergency food provision.
Kay Lewis, Manager of Isle of Wight Foodbank, has said:
“While we’re incredibly grateful for the support of our community, and proud of everything our volunteers and supporters have helped us achieve over the past 15 years, the reality is that we shouldn’t need foodbanks. No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from.
“We wanted to do something a little different with this video – to bring people together, have a bit of fun and hopefully bring some joy to others. Christmas should be a time of togetherness, but for people struggling to make ends meet, it can be an incredibly difficult time.
“We’re asking people to get involved with our 12 Days of Christmas campaign by donating the featured items throughout November. Every donation will help us provide additional festive food to people who need support, alongside their usual emergency food provision.
“As long as there are people in need on our Island, we’ll be here to serve them – but we hope that one day, foodbanks won’t be needed at all.”
High Sheriff Nigel Hartley MBE has also thrown his support behind the appeal, urging Islanders to help ensure those experiencing hardship are not forgotten during the festive season.
Nigel Hartley MBE, High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight, has said:
“Foodbanks are important because across our Island everyone matters, and everyone deserves to eat as well as possible when they are struggling to make ends meet. I urge as many people as possible to support the appeal – let’s help each other have the best Christmas possible.”
Residents are being asked to donate any of the 12 featured food items throughout November, with contributions of any size welcomed.
Further information about the campaign, the foodbank’s work and how to donate can be found at www.isleofwight.foodbank.org.uk.
