Liverpool Specsavers stores raise £8k in two weeks for local food banks

Specsavers  stores across Liverpool have raised thousands of pounds to support families in their local communities this Christmas.

Stores in Liverpool were overwhelmed after counting up the cash-raising a massive £8,049 in just a two-week window of fundraising for food banks based in their immediate communities.   

Together with other Specsavers stores across the North West region, who made the same commitment, a grand total of over £25,000 was raised across the North West.

The funds donated by the optical and audiology businesses were further topped up by donations from customers via a series of specially set up  JustGiving pages.     

Paul Stanway, director at the Norris Green, Rice Lane(Walton) and Old Swan  store  says:

“We  know what  an incredibly difficult year  it’s been  for  our local communities due to the  impact of the pandemic. We see  people from our nearby communities  every day in our stores and  hear their stories – it can be incredibly upsetting. So we  feel  very strongly  about  doing our bit to  support them.   ”

As well as shouting loud and proud about Liverpool City Region, we also produce video for some of the North West’s leading brands. 🌇

GET IN TOUCH 🎥 https://t.co/6MNnr4ALnM pic.twitter.com/jIOmYV3LSV

— The Guide Liverpool 🌇 (@TheGuideLpool) November 30, 2020

Tim Eckersell, director at Kirkby and Liverpool Lord Street continues:

“The response from  fellow  stores  across  the region has been incredible  and  we have all been completely overwhelmed to learn how much has been raised.    

‘Funds  raised  will  mean much-needed grocery supplies  can be bought  to give  directly  to  families in need  in our communities, helping them  to get  through the festivities and school  holidays with plenty to eat.”

The donations are now being sent directly to independent food banks or  through  The  Trussell  Trust, which manages community food banks across the region,  so  Specsavers stores  are able to support  the communities  closest to them.

The funds will start to positively impact families over the next week or so when many will be preparing for Christmas celebrations.  

Each store made an individual commitment to donate funds to a food bank in their neighbourhood, to ensure they are directly supporting residents and families close by.  

A new exhibition has launched @tateliverpool which shines a light on Merseyside #NHS workers. Watch as we find out how it all came together.

🖼️ https://t.co/4zaN4eSJpv pic.twitter.com/2DnPVbvMtb

— The Guide Liverpool 🌇 (@TheGuideLpool) December 22, 2020

Food bank use has climbed significantly this year  in the UK  and food poverty continues to  grow.  As a result of the donations , it is hoped that food banks are able to  provide even more  support and wrap-around services to the increasing amounts of people being referred to  them.     

Specsavers stores throughout England remain open for all eye care or browse the online store, click here.