Morrisons to carry out 30,000 acts of kindness in local communities in the run up to Christmas

The Bradford-based grocer said the acts of kindness will touch the lives of tens of thousands of people living throughout the UK in the 12 days leading up to Christmas.

The initiative aims to help customers and communities feel festive this year after nearly half of all adults reported that their well-being has been hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

Research by Morrisons revealed 46 per cent of people said they are feeling more isolated and alone than they normally would.

Two thirds (67 per cent) said a simple act of kindness could help them feel reconnected with their community and three quarters (77 per cent) said it would positively change their entire outlook for the day.

In the run up to Christmas, a community champion from every Morrisons store will venture out into their local community every day to conduct acts of kindness. It kicks off with nearly 100,000 mince pies being delivered to thousands of residents in hundreds of care homes across the country.

Morrisons said that 10,000 key worker treats will be given to local healthcare workers, police and firefighters, and nearly 9,000 gifts will be donated to disadvantaged families.

In addition, over 4,000 ‘Be kind to yourself’ packs will be handed out to customers and nearly 4,000 bouquets of flowers and mistletoe will be given to local communities.

Lastly, 2,500 hampers will be gifted to 'local heroes' who have played a big part in supporting their local area through the pandemic.

Morrisons said it is committed to ensuring that no-one gets left behind during the coronavirus pandemic.

Earlier this year the supermarket chain launched a Doorstep Delivery service with colleagues delivering shopping direct to the doorstep of vulnerable and elderly customers in the community.

It also made a £10m donation to restock the nation’s local food banks.

Rebecca Singleton, community director at Morrisons said: “Small acts of kindness go a very long way.

"They can make our world feel like a kinder, happier and more caring place. Our community champions are going out into their local communities and spreading some good cheer.

"It’s the right thing to do in this difficult year when our stores and communities have been pulling together to look after each other.”