We're pleased to show our support for The Big Night In, a special night to celebrate our community heroes and support the community led efforts working to tackle the effects of the current crisis in local areas.
The evening of entertainment on 23rd April on BBC One will aim to raise money that will be split evenly between BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief to support vital local charities and projects in the UK who are providing essential help to those most in need.
We’re also celebrating the efforts of the fantastic colleagues who are supporting our customers every day, and we will continue to do so. Our amazing customers have also been recognising our colleagues by sending in messages of support, letters and cards thanking them for doing a great job. Find out more here.
Our customers have also been continuing to think of others and donate to our food bank trollies in our stores, even in such worrying times. We've donated £5 million to food charities FareShare and The Trussell Trust to help them support the most vulnerable people in our communities during the coronavirus outbreak.
The donation means the charities can provide meals to families in poverty impacted by coronavirus, as well as giving the 3,000 charities they in turn support the ability to access free food over the next three months as they fight to tackle the local impact of the virus. Read more here.
While we are all in this together, we know that there are some people who are more at risk in our communities. For the many people reliant on services that keep them safe from harm, connected or even warm and fed; the physical and social isolation that is necessary to stop the spread of Covid-19 is an even greater threat. This includes vulnerable children and young people, people who are homeless and destitute, women and families at risk of domestic abuse, families living in poverty and those struggling with existing or new mental health problems.
The Big Night In creates the opportunity for the UK to come together to raise vital funds and also celebrate those real community heroes.
Roger Burnley, CEO and President for Asda, said, “These are extraordinary times. As people stay safe by keeping their distance, it’s been truly humbling to see how the country has come together to help those most in need. Not least our incredible Asda colleagues, who are working tirelessly to keep our shelves stocked, our vans full and community spirit alive up and down the UK.
“As a business we are continuing to work around the clock to support communities through COVID-19, which includes a £5 million donation to our partners FareShare and The Trussell Trust, helping to keep foodbanks open and fund the infrastructure needed to reach the most vulnerable people in our communities.
“Asda customers have helped raise £24m over 20 years for BBC Children in Need, and now, more than ever, those vulnerable groups need our help. This special night of TV will give us all the opportunity to recognise the extraordinary achievements of true community superheroes, whilst raising much needed funds for those most at risk." Find out more about our work with Children in Need here.
