Lidl Invests £22,000 in North East Charities Through Community Programme
Lidl GB has announced a significant donation of £22,000 to local charities across the North East, reinforcing its dedication to community support through its ongoing investment initiatives. This funding will aid a variety of essential services, ranging from assistance for children with additional needs to outreach programmes for young women facing social and economic challenges.
Store Colleagues Select 44 Charities for Support
Employees from 22 participating Lidl stores in the region have personally chosen 44 charities to receive one-off donations of £500 each, ensuring that the causes most relevant to their local communities are supported. This grassroots approach allows colleagues to directly impact the areas where they live and work, fostering a sense of ownership and connection.
Spotlight on The Young Women's Project
One of the selected charities is The Young Women's Project, nominated by staff at the Shields Road store in Gateshead. This organisation provides crucial support to young women aged 11 to 19 who are dealing with issues such as poor mental health, poverty, and gaps in existing services. Through tailored one-to-one support, group sessions, and access to reliable information, the charity acts as a lifeline for approximately 250 young women annually.
Joanne Jopling, CEO of The Young Women's Project, expressed gratitude for the donation, stating: "For over three decades, we have been a vital resource in Gateshead. Our team, including former beneficiaries, is committed to ensuring no young woman feels isolated. The £500 from Lidl will enable us to provide emergency care packages, including shoes and clothing, and enhance mental health resources for those in crisis."
Additional Charities and Broader Initiatives
Other beneficiaries include Little Treasures, which supports autistic and neurodivergent individuals, and The Special Lioness, aiding families of children with additional needs. These were chosen by colleagues in Peterlee and Washington, respectively.
Beyond direct donations, Lidl's 'Feed it Back' programme, in partnership with Neighbourly, has distributed £300 gift cards to charity partners. Since 2016, this surplus food redistribution effort has provided over 6.6 million meals in the North East and more than 50 million nationally, addressing food insecurity effectively.
Leadership and Future Commitments
Ryan McDonnell, CEO at Lidl GB, commented: "We have made substantial progress in community investment, particularly through food donations. This new initiative empowers our colleagues to drive local change, working alongside charity partners to create meaningful impact in their communities."
Known as 'The Lidl Effect', the company's broader contributions include the Lidl Foodies Programme, which has invested £675,000 since 2024 to promote healthy eating among children, reaching nearly 60,000 in the North through educational resources. Lidl plans to embed this community-focused approach from the outset of every new store opening, ensuring sustained support across the region.
