John Lewis Horsham announces first charity partnerships

Nigel Davis and Jo Thomas outside the new Waitrose and John Lewis store in Horsham

The project will see £3,000 split between Age UK Horsham District, The Springboard Project and Horsham Matters with customers deciding which cause to support through a token system, much like the one in the current Waitrose store.

The tokens will be handed out after each purchase and the money will be split between the charities based on the amount of votes they receive after three months.

Community Matters is part of John Lewis’s ongoing commitment to support the communities in which it operates, aiming to engage customers, Partners and suppliers to make a lasting change.

Nigel Davis, branch manager at John Lewis ‘At Home’ Horsham, said: “We are committed to being a force for good in Horsham, and my team are very pleased to be supporting these three great causes. Each makes a fantastic contribution to the wellbeing and vibrancy within our region.

“These initiatives are all so important; from helping to deliver support to those in need, to improving the quality of life for the elderly and supporting leisure for children and teenagers with disabilities.”

David Sheldon, chief executive at Horsham Matters said:“We are so pleased to receive the support of John Lewis ‘At Home’ Horsham.

“Any donation we receive as a result of this campaign will support our work with those in our local communities who are in need through the provision of food by the Horsham District food bank or accommodation in the Horsham Churches Night Shelter.

“Donations of any kind really make a difference and we are very grateful to John Lewis ‘At Home’ and their customers for their generosity.”

Janice Leeming, CEO at Age UK Horsham District said: “It’s fantastic to be one of the first charities chosen by John Lewis at Home Horsham as part of the Community Matters scheme.

“This will provide support for our vital services for people in later life in the Horsham District. ”

Vickie Toms, service delivery manager at The Springboard Project said: “We are thrilled to be chosen by the new John Lewis at Home store as one of their first three “Community Matters” local causes.

“Springboard House in Hurst Road is a unique centre and we significantly rely on donations and gifts to continue our work. None of our charity’s work would be possible without the support of our benefactors and the generosity of our local community is always greatly appreciated.”

These local causes will be supported for three months, after which another three will be selected.

Details on how charities and organisations can nominate themselves for the next period of support will be available in the branch.

John Lewis ‘At Home’ will sit shoulder to shoulder with Waitrose in Horsham to offer customers a fantastic shopping experience.

Both shops will open at 9am on Thursday June 18.