by Alan Jacques
TESCO’s tagline “every little helps” certainly rang true with staff at the supermarket chain in Limerick and Lions Club volunteers during a two-day Christmas food appeal.
More than 2,313 meals were collected in Tesco stores in Limerick with Tesco topping-up the local Limerick donations by 30 per cent, the supermarket chain said.
Taking place in all Tesco stores in Limerick earlier this month, the equivalent of €4,927 worth of food donations were collected and will be distributed as festive food hampers to support families and communities across Limerick over Christmas. More than 95,000 meals were collected nationwide from 148 stores.
Lions Club Food Appeal coordinator Joe Smith described the public response as most generous in extremely difficult times.
“We are thrilled that the two day appeal proved to be such an outstanding success. Every food item will go to those who truly need it this Christmas and I would like to thank the thousands of Lions and Tesco volunteers for their efforts,” he said.
During the two day appeal, customers could opt to donate non-perishable food items in the branded food collection trolley’s in their local Limerick store. Lions Club volunteers then created festive food hampers which will be distributed by local charity partners to those in need.
“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity and goodwill shown by our customers, not to mention the huge efforts made by all the Tesco staff and Lions Club volunteers involved. Having exceeded what we raised last year, it’s fantastic knowing that even more families will benefit from the appeal,” enthused Tesco Ireland corporate affairs director Christine Heffernan.
