Westfield and Harrods have both reached out to the local community and made significant donations to assist victims of the Grenfell Tower fire disaster.
Harrods donated £1 million to British Red Cross‘s London Fire Relief Fund, while Westfield made an undisclosed donation to The Kensington and Chelsea Foundation Grenfell Tower appeal.
Harrods’ world-famous department store is located three miles away and within the same borough as Grenfell Tower, while Westfield London shopping centre in White City is about a 20 minute walk from the site.
Harrods’ and Westfield’s donations aim to support those affected by the fire that killed at least 79 people.
Harrods said some of its employees died in the fire, and the retailer is reportedly working with the families of victims from overseas.
This includes arranging to fly them to London and help with funeral arrangements.
Harrods employees have volunteered to collect blankets, toiletries and toys for donation, while in-house cooks have provided food for local relief centres.
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Staff have also volunteered as interpreters and translators for those affected by the fire.
“As a business based in the borough, Harrods works closely with charity partners to support their important work in our local community,” Harrods managing director Michael Ward said.
“Over the past week, we have been overwhelmed by how the community has come together to support our neighbours at this terrible time.
“Through this donation we want to play our part in helping our neighbourhood recover from this tragic event.”
Meanwhile, Westfield set up a donation drop off point was set up at its west London centre, with a large number of items donated by members of the public and retailers all distributed to local relief centres.
Westfield also offered a temporary accommodation base for emergency services at the centre, and some of its restaurants and retailers volunteered to provide them water and free meals.
Westfield staff have also assisting with bucket collections to help raise more funds.
“Our thoughts at Westfield London are with all those affected by the tragic fire at Grenfell Towers,” Westfield said in a statement.
“It is times like this which really highlight the level of support that communities create when they pull together, as well as the brave work carried out by our emergency services.
“Westfield London is immensely proud of our customers, local residents, retailers and employees who have shown such strong community spirit today.
“We will continue to work closely with our neighbours on ways that Westfield can support at this difficult time.”
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