Primark ‘Bring the Joy’ with Stratford gift bag donation

It was the season for giving at Stratford Salvation Army recently as parents and children who receive support from the church were given Christmas gift bags from Primark. 

Staff at the Primark Westfield Stratford branch fundraised in store and online for The Salvation Army. They used the money that was collected to buy toys and gifts for children who attend the weekly Practical Assistance Club at The Salvation Army’s Stratford church where families and people on low incomes can get food support.

Nineteen families (45 children in total) were delighted to receive the gift bags which had been thoughtfully put together by Primark based on the ages of children who attend the club.

Activity at Stratford Salvation Army is run by Community Support Worker, Carolina Andrade, and her husband, Rogerio who is Centre Manager. They work to ensure that the church is a warm and welcoming space for people to come into and get support.

Carolina said: “We are so grateful to the staff from Primark Westfield Stratford for coming to our Practical Assistance Club and giving so generously to the parents and children we support. 

“It was lovely to see the excitement on the children’s faces as they received the gift bags. A donation like this also helps ease the cost of Christmas on the parents which is very much appreciated.”

The donation from Primark Westfield Stratford was part of Primark’s global campaign to ‘Bring the Joy’ over the festive season, and saw Primark donate to local initiatives and community projects up and down the country. 

Lee Chittock, Store Manager at Primark Westfield Stratford said: "It's really important to us that we've donated a selection of Primark essentials and popular Christmas items to The Salvation Army in Stratford this year. 

“We found it particularly rewarding to choose them as one of the local charities we're supporting and have the opportunity to hand over our gift bags directly to the children who need it most within our local community. 

"We know this is a small gesture from our local store team, but it's part of a much bigger gifting initiative from Primark stores up and down the country as we try to 'Bring the Joy' to our communities this festive season.”

Approximately 40 people, a mix of families and individuals, are currently receiving help from the Practical Assistance Club at Stratford Salvation Army. The club is open on a Tuesday from 10.30am – 1pm and works on a referral basis service via Newham Food Alliance. 

The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus service operates out of the Stratford church and offers tailored support to help people get job ready. Employment Plus can also refer people for help from the Practical Assistance Club through Newham Food Alliance. 

People make an appointment to come in and choose up to 20 food items with fresh fruit, vegetables, fridge, and freezer items provided through the Felix Project. Free tea, coffee and biscuits are available from the community coffee shop.