Store donates 92,000 bottles of water to help Worksop residents struggling during pandemic

The donation from Wilko will help thousands of families in Worksop and Retford who may be struggling during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Among the food banks and projects receiving the water are Bassetlaw Community and Voluntary Service, the Worksop Christian Centre LIFE and the Bassetlaw Food Bank, all of which will then help with wider distribution to vulnerable people in communities.

Worksop resident and volunteer Bill Haynes has been dubbed a ‘local hero’ by the Worksop community and members of the Worksop Christian Centre LIFE, as his continued efforts to help those in need through times of struggle are recognised.

Now, as his local area faces tough times once more, Bill has enthusiastically volunteered to distribute Wilko’s water donations to people around the town.

Jerome Saint-Marc, Wilko CEO, said: “We know that this crisis is hitting those who were already vulnerable, the hardest, which is why we’ve made this donation to ensure thousands of families, and those currently homeless, have access to a good quality water.

“We’re incredibly proud of and thankful to our team members across the entire business who have done a phenomenal job in ensuring hardworking families have access to essential items like bottled water, and we appreciate the extra mile they’re going to support local causes and communities throughout the UK.

“Our personal thanks also go to Bill, who has shown true community spirit when times have proven difficult.”

This donation is one of many projects Wilko is undertaking to support communities during the Covid-19 crisis.

Other activities include launching a £125,000 community fund, donating thousands of products to families in need and NHS staff and enabling support centre staff to volunteer for a helpline for elderly people who may feel isolated.

The retailer has also recently worked with ‘Nottingham Forest in the Community’ to supply a bumper batch of essential non-food stock to those in need.