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Tesco

Tesco's charity partnership with the British Red Cross

Our partnership with Tesco

Tesco and the British Red Cross have been working together since 1997 to support communities in times of crisis. During this time, Tesco has donated over £27 million to provide vital support for emergencies in the UK and abroad through in-store collections, colleague fundraising, appeals and donations.

We’re seeing unprecedented levels of disasters and emergencies both in the UK and internationally. Tesco’s funding has provided a lifeline to families and communities affected by these crises in getting the support they need.

British Red Cross volunteers at work at The Boat Inn in Loughborough to aid in the clear up after the recent floods from Storm Henk.

Helping communities in crisis

Tesco has consistently demonstrated its commitment to supporting communities in times of crisis, responding with speed and vital funds, stepping up when it mattered most. 

During the coronavirus pandemic, Tesco provided vital support through donations, digital connectivity for isolated individuals, and priority access for volunteers. In partnership with the British Red Cross, Tesco raised an incredible £8.5 million for those affected by the conflict in Ukraine. 

It also: 

  • contributed £2.1 million to support communities impacted by the Türkiye-Syria earthquake
  • delivered over £690,000 in flexible funding through the Disaster Fund to reach people wherever the need was greatest
  • committed over £400,000 to help those affected by the earthquakes in Myanmar. 

These actions reflect Tesco’s unwavering dedication to standing with communities in their most challenging moments. 

Supporting those in crisis through our Emergency Protocol

Our Emergency Protocol enables British Red Cross’ emergency response teams to access any Tesco store in the UK to get food and everyday essentials when crisis strikes. Whether it’s a fire or a flood, goods such as toiletries, bottled water and food can be provided to bring relief to affected communities. 

With the Red Cross responding to emergencies across the country at short notice, it’s important that our expert teams also have the right skills, equipment, and response vehicles to provide support.

By investing in the Red Cross’ crisis response teams, our partnership helps expert teams be ready to respond, providing immediate practical, emotional and psychosocial assistance to support local communities across the UK.

Through our partnership you can now donate your Tesco Clubcard points to the Red Cross. Your donations will help us support communities, both in the UK and abroad, during times of crisis.

Helping people regain their independence through mobility aids

Between 2021-24, Tesco and the British Red Cross worked together to help people regain their physical independence through mobility aids support. With millions facing financial hardship as a result of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, our partnership aimed to help people struggling to afford basic needs, including hiring a wheelchair.

Using Tesco’s resources and position in the heart of communities, we provided over 1,700 wheelchairs to support local people and Tesco customers. They have also provided vital funding to the British Red Cross’ mobility aids service. 

Our service is now online only. Find your nearest British Red Cross wheelchair service here.

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  • A person donating money into a British Red Cross collection can held by volunteers.

    Give help and donate

    A donation, large or small, can make a huge difference to people in need. Learn more about our appeals or donate to help us be there for people, wherever and whenever they need us.

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