Our Community Matters scheme uses tokens to enable customers to decide how much of a monthly or quarterly total is given to three charities or community groups, nominated by customers and selected by Partners.
In 2011/12, we donated over £3 million to local good causes through Community Matters. This scheme originated in Waitrose and following a successful trial was extended to all John Lewis shops in 2012. John Lewis has expanded the scheme to allow causes to receive support in the form of volunteered Partner hours and products, as well as in financial support. By customising our approach according to local needs, we hope to raise awareness of local causes and encourage customers to participate in the programme.
To date the scheme has:
- donated £10 million of Waitrose profit
- seen £39,000 donated by John Lewis during trials in 2011/12. Once fully established in John Lewis more than £450,000 will be donated per annum
- provided waitrose.com shoppers with the opportunity to vote and influence the share of £25,000 donated to one of three national charities every three months through Community Matters Online.
In January 2012, Prime Minister David Cameron met and presented the Big Society Award 2012 (www.bigsocietyawards.org) to Waitrose Managing Director Mark Price in recognition of Community Matters.
