The John Lewis Partnership has confirmed it will donate a further £1.4m to around 3,000 local charities. Donations will go to charities helping those most in need during the pandemic. This brings the total amount of support given by the Partnership to local communities to over £2.7m.

The latest £1.4m pledge will go to local charities that have existing relationships with the retailer. A new fund – ‘Your Partners Through It All Community Fund’ – will receive £500,000. Partners will nominate local charities to receive a donation of £1,000, £2,000, or £5,000 from the Fund. Final decisions will then be made by a committee of Partners in two rounds at the end of May and June.

To raise funds for NHS Charities Together, the retailer is also selling a limited-edition china mug designed in-house. John Lewis Partnership will donate all profits from the sale of the mugs.

Plus, the Partnership is inviting children of Britain to enter their drawing of a “super-bear”’ cuddly toy into a competition. The winning design will be available to buy in John Lewis and Waitrose shops at Christmas. One hundred per cent of the profits from the cuddly toy are in aid of NHS Charities Together.

Commenting is Caroline Silke, Partner and social impact manager. “Through our relationships with local charities we are aware of the amazing work happening; also, the great need for further support to enable them to continue to carry out their vital work, which so many people are dependent upon. The Partnership is committed to doing all it can to help.”

Ellie Orton, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, adds: “Thank you, John Lewis & Partners, for donating money in aid of NHS Charities Together through sales of your new mugs. Funds donated help us to continue to support NHS staff, volunteers and patients impacted by Covid-19 across the country. Your support of NHS frontline workers and vulnerable people throughout this crisis has been incredibly impressive – thank you.”

In March, The John Lewis Partnership announced a £1 million Community Support Fund to support communities across the UK. The retailer has also given £395,000 in donations to Age UK, FareShare, GroceryAid, Kitchen Social, Retail Trust and the Trussell Trust.