FareShare and Home-Start have linked up with the John Lewis Partnership for a £5m fundraising push this Christmas.

Food and emotional advice are among services for vulnerable families the partnership is aiming to fund.

Through the move Waitrose and John Lewis will be urging staff and customers to donate.

All donations will be matched by the retailer to the value of £2m and loyalty card customers at the stores will be able to donate to the two charities.

Local charities near to each store will also benefit, from £1m of the funding.

“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,” said FareShare chief executive Lindsay Boswell.

“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.”

Home-Start chief executive Peter Grigg added: “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.

“Working with John Lewis Partnership colleagues, customers and communities, we can reach more families and communities at this vital time. We are proud to be a partner in this exciting ambition to transform the lives of thousands of families and children this Christmas and beyond.”

Share Story: