// John Lewis & Waitrose reveal plans to raise £5m to help two charities over the Christmas period
// They will support FareShare, a food poverty charity, and Home-Start, which works with parents who need support
// Customers will be encouraged to make charity donations, and products linked to the campaign will also be available
A major campaign to help at least 100,000 struggling families with food, comfort and emotional support is to be launched by John Lewis and Waitrose.
The initiative, which will launch in November and would be complemented by the soon-to-be released Waitrose and John Lewis Christmas advert, will aim to raise £5 million for two nominated charities.
These charities are FareShare, a food poverty charity, and Home-Start, which works with parents who need support.
John Lewis and Waitrose said it would also encourage others, including customers, to help communities over Christmas and beyond.
Customers will be encouraged to make charity donations, and products linked to the campaign will also be available to buy.
“In a year like no other, the world has changed – so we will be delivering a Christmas campaign like no other,” John Lewis executive director Pippa Wicks said.
“During 2020 we’ve seen some inspiring and heartwarming acts of kindness throughout our country and our communities.
“Now we want to build on this spirit to create a legacy that extends well beyond Christmas. Together we can all make a big difference to the families who need our help most.”
READ MORE:
- John Lewis to begin converting 45% of London flagship into office space
- Waitrose to hire over 1800 new staff in preparation for Christmas
Waitrose executive director James Bailey said: “This year has created even greater inequality in society with a catastrophic effect on some of the most vulnerable. We are determined to play our part in addressing this.”
Homestart chief executive Peter Grigg said: “We have all seen first-hand how the pandemic is pushing families to the edge, especially those already facing challenges in their lives.
“Home-Start is there for families when they need us most and we have been overwhelmed by the kindness shown in our communities during the pandemic. But there is so much more to do.”
FareShare chief executive Lindsay Boswell said: “In what has been an incredibly tough year for so many, more people than ever are turning to local charities and community groups for support because they simply can’t afford the food they need to feed their families and themselves.
“At FareShare, the demand for food has more than doubled as a result of the pandemic so this partnership comes at such a crucial time.
“We are so delighted to partner with Waitrose and John Lewis to provide support for the thousands of people in need across the UK in the run-up to Christmas and over the winter months.”
with PA Wires
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
