The John Lewis Partnership has announced that it will donate a further £1.4m to around 3,000 local charities who are helping those most in need during the pandemic. This brings the total amount of support given by the Partnership to local communities – primarily food banks, those supporting the elderly, homeless and those most at risk from coronavirus – to over £2.7m.
The £1.4m will be distributed to local charities who have existing relationships with Waitrose and John Lewis shops. £500,000 will be put into a new fund called ‘Your Partners Through It All Community Fund’ and Partners will nominate local charities to receive a donation of £1,000, £2,000 or £5,000 with decisions made by a committee of Partners. Over the next three months £900,000 will also be distributed by Waitrose shops to local charities known to them through their established Community Matters programme.
To raise funds for NHS Charities Together the retailer will begin selling on johnlewis.com and in 264 Waitrose branches a limited edition china mug (price £8) designed in-house, with all profits donated to charity. The retailer is also inviting children of Britain to enter their drawing of a “super-bear” cuddly toy into a competition. The winning design will be sold in John Lewis and Waitrose shops at Christmas – with 100% of the profits donated in aid of NHS Charities Together.
Caroline Silke, Partner and Social Impact Manager said: “Through our relationships with local charities we are aware of the amazing work happening, and also the great need for further support to enable them to continue to carry out their vital work which so many people are dependent upon. The Partnership is committed to doing all it can to help.”
