Nectar targets 19 million to donate points to virus fund

Some 19 million Nectar loyalty scheme members are being urged to donate their points to support those in need during the coronavirus crisis following customer demand to help those most seriously affected.

Nectar 360, which was created in February by Sainsbury’s and manages the scheme, has launched an email marketing campaign to its membership base.

It states: “A number of you have been in touch with us about wanting to donate your points to help those impacted by coronavirus which has been very moving.

“As a business we also want to make sure we are doing all we can. Therefore, in support of Comic Relief and BBC Children in Need’s Big Night In appeal, you can now donate your Nectar points to support people and local communities who will be hit hardest during this coronavirus crisis.

“Every 500 points donated gives £2.50 to the charities and we will match all donations made in Nectar points, so your donations will go twice as far.”

Nectar 360 says that all money raised will be split equally between Comic Relief and BBC Children in Need to support charities and projects in the UK, which are providing urgent and essential help to people most in need.

This includes vulnerable children and young people, people who are homeless or living in extreme poverty, women and families at risk of domestic abuse and those struggling with existing or new mental health problems, among many others.

2020 marks the 21st year of Sainsbury’s sponsorship of charity Comic Relief, which runs Sport Relief and Red Nose Day events on alternate years. Last month’s Sport Relief – broadcast on BBC – raised an on-the-night total of £40.5m. The Big Night In TV fundraiser is airing on BBC One on Thursday April 23.

Sainsbury’s shoppers are also being encouraged to donate spare change in stores, or online, and the supermarket says it will match all donations.