The equivalent of 10,000 meals was delivered to local food bank hubs in Greater Manchester after an “inspirational” charity went viral online.
Last month, empty boxes were delivered to unsuspecting Manchester residents and celebrities, asking them to be filled with non-perishable food and toiletries as part of a #NoWasteofSpace campaign by electric car brand Polestar.
The campaign was launched after staff at the Polestar Trafford hub saw Marcus Rashford’s recent documentary, Feeding Britain’s Children, and felt inspired to help local residents in need.
With donations for FareShare Greater Manchester and FareShare Merseyside, 325 boxes were filled and returned – a total of 2.2 tons.
The car company matched the donations pound for pound and earlier this week delivered the 4.4 tonnes of supplies across a fleet of ten Polestar 2 models to FareShare UK.
The electric cars will be used as test vehicles in the Polestar Space in the Trafford Center and would otherwise have remained inactive as the shopping location would have remained closed to the public until it is scheduled to reopen next month.
“We could never have imagined the incredible response from this campaign and the generosity of everyone who participated is truly heartwarming,” said Jonathan Goodman, Head of Polestar UK.
“In 2021, it is terrible to believe that some of the most vulnerable countries will be missing out on essentials. I am glad the Manchester team were able to use our resources to help such a worthy cause.”
Comedian Jason Manford and actress Emma Samms were among the celebrities who filled the boxes, while Manchester United player Victor Lindelöf, Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, and Chelsea FC players Pernile Harder and Magdalena Eriksson also attended .
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FareShare said the “extraordinary” response to the initiative would help the many people in Manchester struggling through the pandemic.
“The Covid-19 crisis has been particularly challenging for those we work with, so Polestar’s #NoWasteofSpace campaign is particularly timely,” said Miranda Kaunang, Development Manager at FareShare Greater Manchester.
“The efforts of the Polestar Manchester team as they await the reopening have generated an incredible response.
(Image: Polestar Manchester)
“With over 10,000 meals donated through their initiative, this campaign will make a real difference for those in need.”
Polestar added that it will continue to use its resources to help charitable causes in the local community and has further plans for the #NoWasteofSpace campaign for the remainder of the year.
“We’re a new brand of car, a new way of looking at cars, and a new kind of business in the Northwest,” added Jonathan Goodman.
“And we want to give something back to be part of the city here in Manchester.
“We are working with the community now and will continue to do so once we can see everyone in our room at the Trafford Center.”
Polestar Mancester is slated to reopen at the Trafford Center on April 12th, according to government guidelines.
