UK brands supporting the people of Ukraine
In the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war, many of us are searching for ways to help the millions who are suffering.
There are numerous charitable efforts to help the ongoing humanitarian relief efforts, from volunteering at a local donation centre to giving a charitable donation to organisations such as the British Red Cross and UNICEF.
Many brands, both big and small, are also doing what they can to raise proceeds to help those who have fled Ukraine.
Where to donate
From substantial charitable donations from high street stores, to supermarkets sending food, clothes and medical supplies and independent brands banding together to create an auction to raise proceeds, these are all the UK retailers currently helping to provide support to the families, children, of Ukrainians impacted.
UK retailers helping to support the people of Ukraine
John Lewis
In an Instagram post shared last week, John Lewis' Partner & Chairman, Sharon White, released the following statement: "I am deeply distress by the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine - innocent people losing their lives, their loved ones, their home and families being separated. Today, the John Lewis Partnership is making a first donation of £100,000 to the British Red Cross directly in support of their Ukraine Crisis Appeal."
In addition, the British high street store will also match customers donations up to an additional £150,000.
Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer announced last Thursday that it will be donating £500,000 to the UN Refugee Agency. The supermarket has also allocated £500,000 for UNICEF through matching colleague and Spark card donations.
Sparks customers can select UNICEF as their chosen charity while using the loyalty card, M&S will then make double donations every time you shop with M&S. The retailer is also providing 20,000 items of winter clothing for the families and children who have had to flee their homes.
Tesco
The supermarket has pledged £1 million to the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal to support their vital work.
Tesco has also sent supplies in the form of food, hygiene items and clothing to help refugees, made Tesco Mobile calls to Ukraine free for those trying to reach friends or loved ones and Tesco Bank has also waived any fees for anyone who needs to send money from the UK to Ukraine.
Roxanne First
London-based Fine Jeweller, Roxanne First, is donating a ‘LOVE’ necklace to raise money for British-Ukrainian Aid.
Donations made to the Just Giving page will go directly to support those suffering in Ukraine, and Roxanne First will randomly select one of the donators to give the necklace to, as well as donating £3,000.
House of Hackney
House of Hackney we will be donating 15% of all retail sales to Choose Love’s Ukraine appeal from the 7th to 13th of March.
The Choose Love organisation is currently helping to provide medical care, food, shelter, mental health services, as well as and important protection for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Kurt Geiger
The shoe brand announced on Instagram that it has donated 100% of last week's store profits to the sum of £50,000 to the British Red Cross' Emergency Appeal who are working with the Ukrainian Red Cross Society and the International Committee of the Red Cross to provide vital shelter, medical supplies and more.
eBay
To support the humanitarian effort on the ground in Ukraine, eBay is raising funds for the British Red Cross’ Ukraine Crisis Appeal. eBay has made an initial donation of £150,000 and is also matching all employees donations up to £150,000.
If you’re selling items on eBay, the site is also now allowing you to donate between 10-100% of the proceeds to the British Red Cross.
Chinti & Parker
The fashion brand has decided to donate 100% of profits, of its £195 Love sweater and £65 Love T-shirt, to Save The Children and Disaster Emergency Committee.
It's expected that at least £110 for sweater and £35 for T-shirt sales will go to the chosen charities.
Dunelm
The homeware store are working with its stores, warehouses and suppliers to help provide vital items such as blankets, quilts and pillows. So far, over 200 pallets of products are in the process of being sent to Poland.
Grenson
Sustainable shoe brand, Grenson, created a run of its iconic bench-made "66" sneakers using Ukraine’s flag as the colourway. 50 pairs were made in both men's and women's sizes and 100% of the sales will be donated to the UN Refugee Agency.
Robert Dyas
Robert Dyas is supporting Ukraine with donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee.
The garden store said on Instagram: "our colleagues will be encouraging donations from our in-store customers and Theo Paphitis Charitable Trust will match all colleague fundraising up to £50k across our group of retailers."
Home Bargains
The affordable homeware shop has shared on Instagram last week that "we have made a donation of £100,000 to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal which we hope will help to provide the people of Ukraine with some of the essential items that they so desperately need."
Currys
The electrical company shared on Instagram that they have made a donation of £100,000 to the Red Cross to help those affected. CEO, Alex Baldock, said: “My horror and revulsion at the invasion of Ukraine is shared by thousands of Currys colleagues and we are a determination to help the victims of this act of aggression.”
