A major UK pub chain is launching a heart-warming initiative to thank the nation's essential workers this festive season. Greene King is set to provide 30,000 free Christmas meals to those who will be working over the holidays.
A Nationwide Thank You
The campaign, named 'The Big Christmas Shift', will take place on Monday, 1st December across 700 Greene King pubs nationwide. This special event is designed to give shift workers their own moment to celebrate and enjoy a full festive meal before the Christmas rush begins.
The initiative aims to honour the estimated 1.1 million people across the United Kingdom who will be working on Christmas Day itself. While most of the country is celebrating with loved ones, these individuals will be keeping essential services running.
Celebrating the People Who Make Christmas Work
To launch the campaign, Greene King has released a new Christmas advert, filmed in Bury St Edmunds, where the brewery has been based since 1799. The advert features a historically accurate Greene Santa, wearing the green outfit he was said to have worn in the 17th and 18th centuries, before red became the standard.
Andrew Gallagher, Brand and Marketing Director at Greene King, explained the motivation behind the campaign. "We see first-hand the hard work that goes into making Christmas happen, including our very own team across the UK," he said. "While most of us are sitting down for Christmas lunch, millions of people are working hard to keep things running. The Big Christmas Shift is our way of saying thank you."
Support for Blue Light Card Members
The initiative has garnered significant support, with the Blue Light Card scheme proudly partnering with Greene King. In a dedicated gesture of support for emergency service workers, 10,000 of the 30,000 free meals have been reserved exclusively for Blue Light Card members. Eligible individuals can claim their meal directly through the Blue Light Card website.
This large-scale event not only provides a free meal but also creates a valuable opportunity for community and recognition, ensuring that those working behind the scenes during the festive period feel appreciated for their vital contributions.
