SPECSAVERS have announced that their stores across the North West managed to raise nearly £25,000 for food banks over Christmas.

Stores across the region say that they were overwhelmed with generosity over the festive period, with the entire sum of money being donated in a window of just two weeks.

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. 

Accrington store director Melanie Warren said: “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.”   

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. 

This comes after food bank use has climbed significantly this year in the UK, with food poverty continuing to grow. 

As a result of the donations, Specsavers hopes that food banks are able to provide even more support and wrap-around services to the increasing amounts of people being referred to them.  

Ms Warren said: “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 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. 

The donations helped to ensure that families throughout the region were still able to enjoy Christmas

This announcement comes after Specsavers recently announced that services will continue throughout lockdown and some customers will be able to arrange home visits.

To find out more, go to: www.specsavers.co.uk/stores.