Marks & Spencer has come under fire for “not doing enough” for Ukraine civilians amid the ongoing Russian invasion, despite sharing fundraising efforts.
Its fundraising efforts will allow customers will be able to give money towards the cause at its checkouts, with the grocer doubling all donations made.
In a social media post, M&S said it wants to do everything it can to support the children and families of Ukraine, as a result, it is building on its existing support with a £1.5 million package to help families in need.
READ MORE: M&S named fastest growing grocer in 2022 so far
“We are donating £500,000 to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). We are donating 20,000 items of winter clothing that families need,” the post read.
“We have allocated £500,000 to support UNICEF through matched colleague fundraising and double Sparks donations. And you can show your support too.
“From this weekend, we’ll be activating giving at our till-points, and at M&S.com. Sparks customers can select UNICEF UK as their chosen charity, and we will make double donations every time you shop at M&S.”
Despite the retailers efforts, many social media users have criticised M&S for “not going far enough” and have demanded it to close all its Russian branches and to stop shipments.
One user expressed their anger asking for more information about hoe the money “would be utilised”.
M&S cafe staff have been told to ask every customer if they would like to donate £1 to the Ukraine. No info about how £ would be utilised. Goes into M&S cash system. Wrong on so many levels. WillI I get asked the same when I buy socks or sauasges 🤔
— Myristica fragrans (@SilverFoxyRed) March 5, 2022
Another expressed their embarrassment when declining to donate when asked by an M&S employee at the checkout, questioning if they should be asking in the first place.
This is a bit of a strange one,just been shopping in the Londonderry Marks and Spencer's and the cashier asked if I would like to make a pound donation to Ukraine as we are already giving $3 through our Union I declined but I was a bit embarrassed doing so
Should they be asking?— BuildBack2022 (@BBBYetAgain) March 7, 2022
As a result of the backlash, M&S issued a statement revealing it has suspended shipments to its Turkish franchise’s Russian business.
The statement said: “Given the unfolding humanitarian crisis following the invasion of Ukraine, M&S has suspended shipments to our Turkish franchisee’s Russian business.
“We are doing everything we can to support the people of Ukraine and in response to the growing refugee crisis, we are building on our existing support for UNICEF UK’s Ukraine appeal with a £1.5 million package to support the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and UNICEF to help children and families in need.”
The news comes as many brands have come under fire for not speaking out and taking action amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, resulting in many boycotts.
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