Collaboration for Community Support Amid Rising Needs

Major UK businesses, including Aldi, Marks & Spencer, Motability Operations Ltd, Liberty Global, Capita, the Institute for Social Value, and Certas Energy, have joined forces this winter to provide critical support to charities and community groups. Through Neighbourly’s GoGive campaign, these companies aim to deliver financial aid, surplus food donations, and volunteering efforts to ease the burden of increased demand during challenging times.

The campaign, running across the UK and Ireland, sets an ambitious target to:

• Deliver £1 million in financial support.
• Redistribute the equivalent of 18 million meals worth of surplus food.
• Facilitate 5,000 hours of volunteering.

In just the first six weeks, over £460,000 has already been allocated to charities, with the total support valued at an impressive £18 million, including surplus food donations equivalent to 10.5 million meals.

Charities Struggling to Meet Demand

Neighbourly’s research highlights the challenges faced by small charities in the current economic climate:

• 78% of charities reported increased demand for their services over the past three months.
• Non-perishable food and fresh produce remain the most requested items.
• 50% of charities stated they were unable to help everyone due to limited capacity and funding.
• Volunteer availability is a significant concern, with 66% worried about shortages this winter.

Community organizations emphasize the critical role of initiatives like GoGive in supporting their efforts.

“The donations collected each day from our Neighbourly partners are essential. The stigma of taking donated food is now a thing of the past—it’s become a way of life and how people manage limited budgets,” said Marie Savin, Centre Manager at Netherton Park Community Association near Liverpool.

Corporate Commitment to Community Impact

Corporate leaders have expressed their dedication to making a difference through the GoGive campaign:

• Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly:
  “The festive season is an excellent time for businesses to increase their support for communities. The need is greater than ever—69% of charities fear demand will be worse this winter than last. GoGive empowers businesses to amplify their impact and drive meaningful change.”
• Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director, Aldi UK:
  “At Aldi, we aim to make fresh, healthy food accessible to everyone. Joining GoGive furthers our goal of enhancing nutritious food accessibility for those who rely on food banks.”
• Dan Forth, HR Director, Certas Energy:
  “We’re proud to contribute to the GoGive fund and ensure essential support reaches those who need it most. This reflects our commitment to creating positive local impact.”
• Matthew Hamilton-James, CFO, Motability Operations:
  “Through Neighbourly’s GoGive campaign, we’re using our business as a force for good to create positive change in the communities we serve.”

Real Stories of Impact

Local charities participating in the GoGive campaign are already seeing tangible benefits:

• Mama’s Bristol, a community support group, has provided over 500,000 meals thanks to generous food donations:
  “Funding opportunities allow us to purchase long-life food items, ensuring we can provide longer-term support to families facing the choice between heating and eating,” said Co-Director Vicky Millman.
• Nesbit Nippers Pre-school in Eltham, London, has received over 17,000 meals worth of surplus food:
  “Campaigns like this are vital. We still need more food donations for children who come to preschool hungry,” said Tula Lee.

A Collective Effort for a Brighter Future

GoGive underscores the power of collaboration, with businesses leveraging their resources to support the most vulnerable during the harsh winter months. By combining surplus redistribution, financial aid, and volunteering, the campaign provides a comprehensive model for community support.

As winter continues, GoGive’s impact serves as a testament to the meaningful change that can be achieved when businesses and communities work together.