Lidl has unveiled its heartwarming Christmas ad featuring a raccoon that is hellbent on returning a little boy’s toy monkey to him in a very John Lewis-style campaign.
The advert, which aired during Emmerdale on Thursday, tells the story of an raccoon who wants to return a cuddly toy that a mother has bought to cheer up her son up Lidl but accidently drops.
The raccoon goes to great lengths to make sure the boy has the gift on Christmas day, climbing road signs, riding the tube, and sailing on a log across a river, to reach the family home and put the toy under the tree.
The advert is designed to remind viewers of the impact that small acts of kindness can have during the festive season and coincide with the discounter also bringing back its Toy Bank initiative, which last year gave gifts to more than 80,000 children, who might not have otherwise received anything on Christmas Day.
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From today until 16 December, customers can drop off new and unopened toys and games to be gifted to local children.
Lidl GB chief commercial officer Peter de Roos said: “At Christmas, there’s nothing more magical than seeing the joy a gift can bring to a child, and we want to help make sure this joy reaches all families.
“Our hope is that by bringing back the toy donation points we are making it easier, for those customers who can, to donate directly to local good causes by giving them a small way to make a real difference and help those that need it the most.”
Lidl will also sell both raccoon and monkey toys in-store with the proceeds going to Neighbourly.
