Seven M&S stores in the area, from Cramlington to the Metrocentre, took part in Spark Something Good which saw almost 400 volunteers give up over 2,000 hours, in order to make a positive difference. Activities ranged from regeneration projects to a vintage tea party and volunteers used 310 litres of paint, planted 858 flowers, plants and trees and drank 883 cups of tea!
Nikki McKidd, Store Manager at M&S Northumberland Street, said: “Spark Something Good has been a real success in Newcastle and beyond, and an incredible experience to be part of.
“Our staff and customers are always keen to get involved and by working together to volunteer at organisations that really matter locally, we know that we have achieved something great. The time that was donated totalled over 2,000 hours which is a fantastic feat. I’d like to thank each and every volunteer that played their part.”
Throughout the week volunteers across Newcastle rolled-up their sleeves and got involved to support local organisations including the Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter, The People’s Kitchen, Royal Voluntary Service, Linskill & North Tyneside Community Development Trust and Ridgeway Primary Academy in South Shields. On Sunday (24 July) 50 M&S employees and customers took to Sandhaven beach to help the Marine Conservation Society pick up litter, collecting 15 bags of rubbish in just two hours.
Director of Plan A at Marks & Spencer, Mike Barry commented: “There’s a tremendous sense of camaraderie when people come together to give something back to their local community and that’s exactly what Spark Something Good is all about. I’m thrilled that Newcastle has embraced our initiative in this way and got stuck in, and I’m proud to have played a small part.”
Michael McCarthy, Head Teacher at Ridgeway Primary Academy in South Shields, said: “There was a real sense of energy as everyone came together to Spark Something Good for our school and we are very grateful to M&S and local volunteers for spending their weekend helping us to create a better, more vibrant library for our pupils.
“I look forward to seeing everyone’s face light up when they see if for the first time after the school holidays and more than that, we hope this experience helps to inspire our pupils after they see what those who volunteered have helped us create!”
Newcastle was selected as the first city in the North East to host a Spark Something Good event. In total, M&S will support 24 projects in 24 different locations over 24 months.