Waitrose community scheme reaches £500k

Thursday 08 August 2019

Waitrose & Partners has donated more than £500,000 to charities and good causes in the Channel Islands as a result of its green token scheme.

The company's Community Matters scheme was launched in the islands in 2011 and has supported a range of different organisations over the years.

As part of the scheme, each shopper is given a green token at the checkout which they can put in one of three charity boxes. At the end of each month, the company shares £1,000 between the three causes in accordance with the proportion of tokens they were given.

Branch Manager at Admiral Park, Paula Protheroe said: "Waitrose is at the heart of local communities and we're very proud to play our part in the Channel Islands and support those causes that matter most to our customers.

"The Community Matters scheme gives our customers the opportunity to choose a local charity or community organisation that they feel passionate about. The fact the charities change each month means the scheme has a wide-reaching impact in the islands.

Pictured: GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne with Nicola and Kelly from Waitrose.

"There are a huge number of charitable organisations in the Channel Islands doing amazing work in our community and we are pleased that, with the support of our customers, we can help to make a difference to them."

The GSPCA has been a recipient of multiple donations from the scheme in Guernsey, with money being put towards the building and maintenance of the animal shelter.

Partners from Waitrose have also helped to develop the site which involved gardening, maintenance and painting.

"We are hugely grateful to Waitrose for their amazing team and their fantastic customers who have donated thousands of pounds to help the animals and the work at the GSPCA through their Community Matters scheme," said GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne. "Every penny donated makes a big difference."

Beyond the scheme, Waitrose & Partners also supports local organisations and charities through food donations, sponsorships and volunteering projects.

Local causes interested in registering to be a part of the scheme can ask for more information at any Waitrose welcome desk.