[M]&S Penrith joined 5,000 of their colleagues across the UK in a community volunteering drive. The team held a tea party in the Salvation Army Centre at Hunter Lane for over 60 people who regularly attend lunches to help combat loneliness.
Throughout the week, M&S colleagues across the nation committed over 40,000 hours to volunteering at 685 local projects that make a difference to the communities they serve. Every project had a common goal, which is to bring people together.
The Salvation Army Centre in Penrith provides events and activities that helps all walks of life, playing a key role in supporting the local community. One of the most popular of these events is a regular lunch club for over 60s. where locals can come together and enjoy food and company in a bid to help build connections and friendships.
Lee Fleming, Store Manager of M&S Penrith, said: “We really enjoyed hosting a tea party for the people who use Salvation Army’s services. The service is so important in providing opportunities for those in the community who feel alone. We hope that by holding this event we have helped raise awareness of what they do and ultimately help drive more volunteers to the service.”
Carol Donaldson at Salvation Army, added: “We are thrilled that colleagues from M&S Penrith have chosen to support us by putting together a tea party for some of our service users. It’s great to see that M&S recognised the importance of bringing together those in the community who are at risk of suffering from isolation.”
M&S stores across the UK are connected to local initiatives by Neighbourly, the social network for social good. To get involved in the online conversation, follow @MarksandSpencer and #MarksinAction.