This marks the start of The Partnership’s “Feel Good Friday” campaign, designed to bring the nation together in a time of isolation
John Lewis and Waitrose, a department store company, are launching a soft toy design competition for children around the UK to raise critical funds for the NHS.
With homeschooling recommencing across the nation, the retailer is inviting children (and adults) to create and share their designs for a “super-bear” cuddly toy that celebrates the spirit and fortitude of the fearless men and women working on the frontline during the Covid-19 crisis.
The winning design will be turned into an exclusive Christmas toy and sold by Waitrose and John Lewis from October, following in the footsteps of a number of beloved characters from the retailer.
Martin George, Marketing Director for the John Lewis Partnership, comments: “The acts of gratitude demonstrated by the public towards frontline workers, from the thousands of “thank you” pictures to Thursday evening clapping, shows how deep our nation’s love for the NHS goes. We’ve already been supporting the NHS and critical workers in a number of ways, but we want to make a lasting contribution that demonstrates our appreciation for those who are on the front line.
“We hope this competition will help inspire the nation’s children to put pencil to paper and encourage many to submit their creations while helping us give something back to our wonderful National Health Service and frontline workers.”
The competition, which launches on 24 April, marks the start of the “Feel Good Friday” campaign, designed to bring the nation together in a time of isolation.
Every Friday, Waitrose & John Lewis will focus on one skill or pastime, all in service of helping people enjoy a shared interest, learn something new and creating stronger relationships within local communities.
Working with Partners, celebrity experts, a range of charities and the NHS, this will include everything from gardening, arts and crafts, mindfulness, to baking and fitness.
This follows a number of initiatives already launched by the John Lewis Partnership to support critical emergency workers during this time, from setting aside a proportion of hard-to-find and everyday essential items during periods of low stock and opening dedicated tills, to installing a wellbeing area for medical staff and volunteers at the Nightingale NHS Hospital in London.
