M&S is kickstarting a new 'Neighbourly Community Fund' with an immediate investment of €50,000 to put into an emergency fund and distribute in phases to its existing network of charities and community groups across Ireland.
In addition to this, M&S stores will continue to redistribute all surplus food to the Neighbourly network across Ireland, via the Neighbourly platform.
"The Neighbourly Community Fund will help mobilise local charities and organisations across Ireland to support the most vulnerable members of our community," explained Ken Scully, country manager M&S Ireland.
Difficult Period
M&S will work closely with Neighbourly, it’s long-standing partner for over five years, throughout this difficult period – listening to what the community needs are as the situation changes and evolves, the retailer said.
“Community organisations are coming under immense pressure and need support now more than ever," said Zoe Colosimo, COO of Neighbourly.
"Immediate funding can help give immediate peace of mind that they can take urgent action to support the most vulnerable in our society. We know needs will evolve as we move through this crisis - from loneliness to hunger to financial concern, but we’re all in this together and we must keep working together.”
M&S said that it will soon launch an app to make it easier for colleagues to connect surplus product with the right local charity in Ireland.
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