Lakeland Shoppers Support South Cumbrian Charities Through MyLakeland Loyalty Club

In a commendable initiative by Lakeland, a kitchenware retailer based in Windermere with a nationwide presence through 58 shops and mail order service, charity groups supporting young and older people in South Cumbria are witnessing a significant boost. The company's myLakeland loyalty club, launched in 2019, has been at the forefront of this philanthropic effort. Members of this club enjoy exclusive savings and offers, with the added benefit of contributing to charity with every purchase they make.

Steve Knights, Chief Executive of Lakeland, highlighted the company's commitment to supporting both local and national causes. Through various initiatives, including the myLakeland Community Fund managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, Lakeland has been able to make substantial contributions. This includes donations from the proceeds of their 10p carrier bag charge to environmental causes annually.

The myLakeland Community Fund has already made a significant impact since its establishment in 2022, disbursing £150,000 among sixteen groups in South Cumbria. One notable beneficiary is the Kent Estuary Youth Project (KEY), which has been granted £30,000 over three years to cover essential running costs. This funding is crucial for KEY to continue offering youth clubs, holiday activities, and summer residentials for youngsters aged 11-19 in Milnthorpe, Arnside, and Storth.

Another recipient, South Lakeland Action on Climate Change, received £20,000 for its Waste into Wellbeing project. This initiative focuses on converting food waste from supermarkets and eateries into nourishing meals for the community. The grant from myLakeland will facilitate the installation of a state-of-the-art catering kitchen in their new permanent base at the old United Reformed Church in Highgate, Kendal.

Going for Old, a social enterprise founded by Angela White – also known as ‘The Running Granny’ – aims to promote healthy ageing. It received £3,671 from the myLakeland Community Fund to deliver health and wellbeing workshops for the over-50s. This grant will help scale up their efforts to reach more people seeking to improve their health.

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, expressed her delight in supporting Lakeland's efforts. She praised the company's passion for aiding lesser-known local voluntary groups and their hands-on approach in reviewing funding requests.

In celebration of its 60th year of innovation in 2024, Lakeland plans to make an additional donation to Cumbria Community Foundation. This gesture underscores the company's ongoing commitment to community support and charitable giving. For more information on the myLakeland Community Fund and its impact on South Cumbria's charitable landscape, interested parties can visit the Cumbria Community Foundation website.