Asda is sending a £1m package to support displaced Ukrainian families in Europe and the UK as the refugee crisis grows.
The supermarket, through its Asda Foundation, said it was providing immediate support for families forced to leave their homes in the aftermath of the Russian invasion as well as long-term support for Ukrainian refugees that arrive in the UK.
It includes £100,000 to national UK-based refugee support groups as well as offering Asda Foundation grants of up to £580,000 to support local and grassroots refugee groups across the UK.
A separate £250,000 donation to UNICEF will support the set-up of a Blue Dot centre, providing a safe space for up to 5,000 children and families on the move and emergency water and hygiene kits to be deployed on the ground.
Asda is also sending essential supplies including George clothing, nappies, toiletries, period products and food delivered through its logistics partners to a supplier site in Poland for onward distribution in Ukraine.
Asda is also enabling customers to make cash donations in-store and via grocery home shopping to international charities working on the ground in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.
In a move echoing that of other supermarkets last week, Asda has also removed products that originate from Russia from its stores and online.
“We stand with our customers and colleagues who are shocked by the Russian invasion of Ukraine – and our thoughts are with those people whose lives are affected by this crisis,” said co-owner Mohsin Issa.
“The community spirit that is at the heart of Asda extends beyond our own borders and we’re proud to have worked with a range of partners in the UK to provide practical and meaningful support for Ukrainians at home and for those who continue to seek safety in neighbouring countries.”
Asda Foundation deputy chair John Cookman added: “We have a long history of supporting grassroots community groups across the UK, and that includes when communities respond in times of global crisis. As we look ahead to the coming months we see an ongoing need to support refugees arriving in the UK and are pleased to be able to play our part in helping groups provide essential support services on the ground.”
No comments yet