John Lewis, Dunelm, M&S, Tesco, Asda and Ocado are among the gift and home retailers that are stepping up efforts to support those suffering from the devastating impact of Russian’s invasion of Ukraine.
The John Lewis Partnership (JLP) made its first donation of £100,000 to the British Red Cross directly in support of their Ukraine Crisis Appeal. It is also matching donations from customers and its partners up to £150,000. “My thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and everyone affected by this terrible war. We all share a common humanity and all conflicts – near and far – strike at the heart of our values,” said JLP chairman Sharon White.
“Like the rest of the world, we have been shocked and appalled by the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine,” stated Dunelm in a social media post. With many Dunelm stores acting as collection centres for customers’ donations of provisions, the retailer is sending over 200 pallets of vital supplies to Poland to help refugees, as well as making financial commitments.
Donating £500,000 to the UN Refugee Agency along with winter clothes, Marks & Spencer has allocated a further £500,000 to support UNICEF through matched colleague fundraising and doubling customers’ Sparks donations. The retailer has suspended shipments to its Turkish franchisee’s Russian business.
Ocado has made a £150,000 donation to help provide food, first aid, shelter, medicine, clothes, and other aid to those most in need. Meanwhile, Tesco has been using its distribution centres in Budapest, Bratislava and Prague to co-ordinate support for refugees and deliver relief packages.
Asda and its charity the Asda Foundation has announced a £1m package to support displaced Ukrainian families in Europe and the UK.
Harrods and Next are among those retailers halting all deliveries to Russia, with Next closing its warehouse in Russia and suspending its website there. Ikea has paused its retail operations in Russia.
Top: The sunflower, Ukraine’s national flower, is becoming a symbol of solidarity for the Ukrainian people. (Photo by Susanne Jutzeler)
