Internet giant Amazon is donating 400,000 household items to families. The new charity initiative will be based at The Brick, in Wigan, and will help 50,000 families.
Former prime minister Gordon Brown and Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham helped launch the project. The scheme will run a community donations hub where Amazon and other companies can donate surplus products. They will be given to charity groups and care professionals such as social workers, teachers and midwives.
The Wigan project is an extension of the "multibank" model that was launched in Fife, Scotland. More than 500,000 items were donated and 50,000 families benefited.
Mr Burnham said: “Last year, Gordon Brown invited me to Fife to see for myself the work he was doing with Amazon and a local charity there to support thousands of families with essential household items. The project made a huge difference to people’s lives and that’s why I was determined to work with Gordon and Amazon to set up a pilot in Greater Manchester.
“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to support the partnership with The Brick and I’m blown away by what has been achieved so far. Families in Wigan are struggling in this cost-of-living crisis and that is why this project is vital in helping those who need it most.”
John Boumphrey, UK country manager at Amazon, said: “At Amazon, we know we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of people when they need it most.”
The essential items will include bedding, toiletries, nappies, wipes, clothing, backpacks, home furnishings and electrical products. Amazon donated £100,000 to the scheme and helped set up the warehouse operation in Wigan.
