December 2016

M&S Ilford donates £1000 to The Welcome Project

Employees at Marks & Spencer (M&S) Ilford were awarded £1000 from the Essex Regional Management team to donate to their charity of the year 'The Welcome Project', a local charity that supports the homeless in the community, after winning "Best Fundraiser" at the M&S Pride Awards. 

In spring 2016, the Welcome Project was chosen as the store's charity of the year, as colleagues felt that homelessness was a very visible issue in their community that affected many, and it was important to support the group in their area that didn't have a voice.

The team at M&S Ilford were thrilled to be able to donate a further £1,000 cheque after the store received the coveted 'Fundraising Award' at the annual Pride of M&S Awards, which recognises the achievements of M&S employees across the UK - be it individuals, teams or stores.

As well as contributing the large sum of £1,000, the store has undertaken a range of activities to help fundraise including bake sales throughout 2016, international food sales and shakers at every till throughout the year. This mammoth fundraising effort will continue until spring 2017.

James Mungford, Store Manager at M&S Ilford, said: "The team at M&S Ilford have dedicated their time and energy over the past year to a cause which is close to their hearts, so it was great to get the additional £1,000 cheque to go towards the Welcome Project.
"The team participated in a number of fundraising activities and we are delighted with the total amount raised so far. We are really pleased to know this will help support the charity's amazing work carried out to support the local community and are looking forward to raising more funds."Phil Herbert, Director at Healthy Living Projects, added: "We want to give

Phil Herbert, Director at Healthy Living Projects, added: "We want to give a massive thanks to the M&S colleagues, customers and volunteers whose efforts have completely astounded us! The donations are invaluable in helping support the vital work we do for the homeless in the borough, not just at Christmas, but all year round. We are so excited to see what the rest of our time working with M&S Ilford will bring!"