Waitrose helps to provide Christmas lunch for 40,000 people
Waitrose has reported being inundated with requests to help provide Christmas lunch for elderly, homeless and vulnerable people in local communities after launching its campaign to combat loneliness on Christmas Day.
Last month, Waitrose encouraged local groups to get in touch with their nearest branch to arrange an event. The call to action resulted in hundreds of applications being received by the retailer’s 302 stores and Waitrose is now supporting just under 500 events across the UK.
Waitrose estimates that nearly 40,000 people will benefit from the campaign which will involve the supermarket donating money towards food and other resources for the lunches.
In addition to the donations, Waitrose partners have volunteered to plan and attend the events using hours from the Partner Volunteering scheme whilst being fully paid by Waitrose.
Waitrose sustainability and ethical sourcing manager Tina Varns said: “It is fantastic that Waitrose branches are supporting 40,000 people in their communities over the festive period. Our Partners are really excited about the events and looking forward to working with local causes to spread a little Christmas cheer across the country and make a difference.”
