19/06/2007
Following the horrific flooding which blighted much of Yorkshire recently Morrisons Stores instantly stepped forward to offer practical support to The Salvation Army Emergency teams, who were helping families made homeless by the disaster. Several Morrisons Stores in the region offered much needed provisions, with 18 stores additionally and spontaneously initiating a bucket collection which has to date raised more than £15,000.
The Salvation Army Emergency Services Team had set up mobile canteens at Bentley and Tollbar and a rest centre at Memorial Halls Catcliffe. The immediate need was for substantial quantities of basic food and provisions. Morrisons contacted the Salvation Army Trading Company with whom they have good existing relationships and immediately made £1000 of food available enabling those who had been made homeless to enjoy a decent meal.
Realising the enormity of the task faced by The Salvation Army’s Emergency Services 18 Morrisons stores spontaneously started bucket collections at their check-out counters. This amazing gesture by Morrisons Stores resulted in a staggering figure of over £15,000 being handed to The Salvation Army Emergency Services for its emergency work in Yorkshire.
Morrisons, one of the largest food retailers in the United Kingdom, clearly demonstrated its commitment to serving the local communities. Morrisons, knowing that their customers would want to help those in need, provided them with an opportunity to do something special to help family at a time of real disaster. National Recycling Coordinator for the Salvation Army Trading Company, Paul Ozanne said "Our hearts go out to the people so severely affected by the flooding and we are thrilled that by working together Morrisons Stores and The Salvation Army Emergency Services have been able to ease the hurt of so many families."
Aidan Downey and Ian Grace, Regional Directors for Morrisons stores commented: "The floods have affected hundreds of our customers. We wanted to help. Our stores across Derbyshire, Humberside, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire have now donated and raised over £15,000 for the cause. We are certain that through the Salvation Army it will go a long way to helping individuals, families and neighbourhoods at this difficult time."
A really fine example of how big business and a caring charity can work together to serve the local community caring and helping people in times of great need.