John Lewis Partnership, who owns both John Lewis and Waitrose, is to launch the Community Matters incentive in John Lewis stores, after it has proven successful in Waitrose commercial properties.
If you haven’t visited a Waitrose shop in the last four years, you will not have a clue what to do with little green tokens when handed them by the check out staff. But the idea is that customers share the tokens they are given between three chosen charities, by depositing them in the relevant boxes.
Every three months, £3000 will be split between the charities – the amount they receive will be determined from the amount of green tokens they have received. The charities can choose to receive the donations in the form of money, volunteering from John Lewis staff or John Lewis goods.
Stephen Cawley, Merchandise Manager, spoke of the project and the support that John Lewis can offer. He said: “We receive a lot of requests for help, but not every organisation needs financial support.
“By offering community organisations the option to receive our support as either volunteering time or as products, we can be more flexible in the help we offer.
“If a charity wants volunteers to redecorate a community centre, or if they need furniture and sports equipment, we can give them that help.”
The project has been incredibly successful for Waitrose commercial properties, with over £2.7 million donated to help over 8,500 charities across the UK.
Have you seen the Community Matters boxes in your local John Lewis store? Or are you a charity wanting to be nominated as one of the local charities? If so, please visit a John Lewis commercial property for more information.
