This year M&S Food is putting charity firmly at its heart. In a year when charity funding has declined almost 25%, this Christmas M&S Food is proud to announce it will donate £2 million to good causes.

Central to this, M&S Food is shining a light on a number of important charities, partnering with nine world-famous actors who have added their unmistakable voices to nine brand new Christmas food ads- with food so delicious you’ll want to lick the screen!

Today, Friday 18th December, it’s all about the main event and our sixth ad hits screens featuring the smooth and elegant tones of Gillian Anderson, who presents The Big Day highlights. Our Best Ever Pigs in Blankets are a real crowd pleaser whilst the M&S Collection Perfect Turkey Crown is an unrivalled showstopper bursting with pork and cranberry stuffing for the most delicious meal of the year. Be sure not to forget the Gravy Bombe filled with incredible flavours that are guaranteed to have guests asking for more.

On behalf of Gillian, M&S will make a donation to her chosen charities The Felix Project, Southall Black Sisters and Blueprint for All (Formerly known as the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust).

Gillian Anderson says:

“It’s a delight to be part of the M&S Food Christmas Campaign, whilst being able to support some of my favourite charities and causes in a year where many have faced difficulties.”

Andy Holland, Director of Fundraising, The Felix Project says:

“At a time when more people are going hungry in our capital than ever, we are incredibly grateful to Marks & Spencer and Gillian Anderson for this generous donation, which will help to feed hundreds of thousands of people with good-quality, nourishing food over Christmas. If this good food wasn’t rescued, it would simply go to waste – even more reason to make sure it gets re-diverted to good local causes in London”.

Pragna Patel, Director, Southall Black Sisters says:

“This year has been particularly challenging for front line charities like ours working with vulnerable and abused women. This incredibly generous donation by Gillian Anderson and Marks & Spencer will allow us to make sure that no woman arriving at our door is left feeling desperate, isolated or rejected and without a safety net. The donation will help us to provide advocacy and support services and through this work, shift inhumane attitudes and values to show that a kinder and more compassionate society is possible”.