Some of Ireland and the UK’s biggest brands are joining forces today to raise money in support of vulnerable people.
Brands including Nescafé, KitKat, Nestlé Cereals, Maggi and Nespresso will lend their social media accounts to the Irish Red Cross and British Red Cross as the two societies continue to raise vital funds for those in need at this time of global crisis.
The brands’ followers will be asked to donate what they can in support of the two good causes while Nestlé will provide funding of €22,000 (£20,000) in Ireland and €55,000 (£50,000) in the UK.
Andrew Shaw, Country Manager Nestlé Ireland, said: “Our industry is right at the heart of the response to this global pandemic and we have a crucial role to play in the recovery. Nestlé must take this chance to help shape the post-pandemic future so that we can all build back better.
“We have famous brands that are loved by millions of people in Ireland and, together, they can reach a huge audience to raise the voice of those in need. On this, World Kindness Day, it is my pleasure that we can support the Irish Red Cross with critical fundraising.”
There are a combined four million followers across Nestlé’s social media accounts in Ireland and the UK. Special posts explaining the work and aims of the two Red Cross societies will reach millions more people over 24 hours. It is hoped that as many of them as possible will dig deep to support the campaign.
Jocelino Jorge, Head of Fundraising and Marketing at the Irish Red Cross, said: “The Irish Red Cross have responded and been busier than ever during Covid-19. The vital support of brands such as Nestlé enable us to continue our work assisting the most vulnerable people in communities across Ireland and overseas. We’re delighted to be able to highlight the excellent work of our volunteers on social media. On World Kindness Day We hope it will inspire many people to respond and support the vital services that the Irish Red Cross provide.”
Earlier in the year, Nestlé agreed CHF 10 million of funding for the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to help emergency relief efforts for areas most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
€222,000 (£200,000) of that fund was distributed in Ireland and the UK through the Irish Red Cross and the British Red Cross. It forms part of Nestlé UK & Ireland’s multi-million-pound support package targeted at key workers, hospitality businesses, vulnerable families and pets throughout 2020. Alongside the Red Cross, Nestlé Ireland has also partnered with Food Cloud, as well as the DSPCA amongst others.
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