How B Corps are lending a hand in their communities this winter
5 Ways to Support Those in Need During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Businesses have stepped up to support their local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the most vulnerable people will continue to face challenges this winter and beyond. In the spirit of collaboration, Certified B Corporations in the United Kingdom share the following ideas for any business with the capacity and resources to help.
Encourage the use of employee volunteering days.
Ongoing COVID-19 restrictions have limited opportunities for employees to volunteer 鈥 but that needn鈥檛 be the case. Pip and Nut and WWA champion their employees to use their volunteering days to lend a hand at local charities and organisations that are in need of additional support. Visit to search for B Corps that can help you organise team volunteering (while keeping COVID-safe).
Connect with local food banks.
The pandemic has led to a surge in requests for help from food banks, which are to provide six emergency food parcels a minute this winter in the UK 鈥 61% higher than last year. B Corps Ella鈥檚 Kitchen and Bates Wells have partnered with local food banks to donate food and financial support. To find your local food bank, visit , which supports a nationwide network of food banks; or join its supporting families living in poverty in the UK.
Help those without safe shelter.
B Corp law firm Bates Wells has partnered with , a free emergency night shelter. This partnership will be even more important this winter, as it is set to be one of the most challenging periods for those without a home, due to many night shelters closing as a result of COVID-19 concerns.
Support the senior community.
We know this year has been incredibly isolating, particularly those who are elderly and shielding. 滨苍苍辞肠别苍迟鈥檚&苍产蝉辫;鈥,鈥 in partnership with Age UK, aims to raise money to combat loneliness. Similarly, Cook has created a to distribute free meals 鈥 so far nearly 150,000 have been provided. Charities focused on supporting those who are alone this winter included , , and (Armed Forces Charity).
Donate surplus stock.
B Corps Beauty Kitchen and Seventh Generation partner with In Kind Direct, the UK鈥檚 leading redistribution charity, to reduce the volume of surplus stock that ends up in landfills. Instead, products are sent to those in need through donations to charities, community groups, schools, and social enterprises. to see if In Kind Direct accepts your products.
A version of this article was published聽. B The Change gathers and shares the voices from within the movement of people using business as a force for good and the community of聽. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the nonprofit B Lab.