High street giant M&S has been told 'to go further' by some shoppers after sharing an important update about its checkouts.
Posting on social media, the retailer updated shoppers on what it is doing for people in Ukraine - and as part of its efforts, M&S will now allow shoppers to donate to Ukraine at the checkout.
A post on the official Marks and Spencer Facebook page read: "We want to do everything we can to support the children and families of Ukraine.
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"That's why we are building on our existing support with a £1.5m package to help families in need.
"We are donating £500,000 to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). We are donating 20,000 items of winter clothing that families need.
"We have allocated £500,000 to support UNICEF through matched colleague fundraising and double Sparks donations. And you can show your support too.
"From this weekend, we'll be activating giving at our till-points, and at M&S.com. Sparks customers can select UNICEF UK as their chosen charity, and we will make double donations every time you shop at M&S."
While thousands of people praised the announcement, others criticised the high street store for 'not going far enough' with its efforts.
Rachel Weeks slammed: "But you also need to close all your Russian branches, stopping shipments does not go far enough."
Vyv Hogg reasoned: "It makes me so sad that a positive gesture is slammed by so many people. It may not be perfect but it’s something and surely that’s better than doing nothing?"
Lesley Stickings also chimed back: "As I read some of these comments I can’t believe the negativity of these people. WELL DONE M&S!! You have done what you are able to do regards the Russian shops and the money gifted is great."
M&S has now issued a statement, and has suspended shipments to its Turkish franchise's Russian business.
The statement read: “Given the unfolding humanitarian crisis following the invasion of Ukraine, M&S has suspended shipments to our Turkish franchisee’s Russian business.
"We are doing everything we can to support the people of Ukraine and in response to the growing refugee crisis, we are building on our existing support for UNICEF UK’s Ukraine appeal with a £1.5m package to support the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and UNICEF to help children and families in need.
"This is made up of a kickstart £0.5m donation to UNHCR with a further £0.5m for matched fundraising for all our global colleagues and double donations on Sparks transactions to support UNICEF; and activation of till-point and online giving in the UK.
"We are also providing practical help through UNHCR; donating 20,000 units of coats and thermals for families in need totalling a further £0.5m.”
