Some of the UK and Ireland’s biggest brands are joining forces this Friday to raise money in support of vulnerable people.
Brands including Nescafé, KitKat, Buxton Water, Nestlé Cereals, Maggi and Nespresso will lend their social media accounts to the British Red Cross and Irish 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 £50,000 in the UK and €20,000 in Ireland.
Nestlé UK & Ireland CEO, Stefano Agostini 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 the UK & 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 British Red Cross and the Irish Red Cross with critical fundraising.”
There are a combined four million followers across Nestlé’s social media accounts in the UK and Ireland. 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.
The British Red Cross is supporting the NHS in hospitals across the UK by working alongside clinical staff in emergency departments, helping patients return home promptly and safely following a hospital stay, and providing patient transport and ambulance support.
Its volunteers and staff are also embedded in communities, working alongside other charities and organisations – such as FareShare and the Trussell Trust – to support the most vulnerable people in need with food, medicines, welfare checks and cash.
The British Red Cross is also operating a coronavirus support line for those who need emotional and practical help. Alongside continuing to support people around the world whenever disaster strikes.
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.
£200,000 of that fund was distributed in the UK and Ireland through the British Red Cross and the Irish 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 has also partnered with Community Shop, Food Cloud, Fareshare as well as the RSPCA in the UK and DSPCA in Ireland.