Lidl Colleagues in North East England Support Local Community Charity with Donation

It’s easy to think of a supermarket as just a place to grab your weekly shop, but sometimes their impact goes way beyond the checkout tills. That’s exactly what’s happening in the North East, where Lidl is making a serious commitment to local communities. The supermarket giant, Lidl GB, just announced on 25 March 2026 that it's boosting its community investment programme with a hefty £22,000 in donations. But here’s the brilliant bit: this isn't some decision made in a faraway boardroom. The people choosing which charities get the cash are the very colleagues working in the local stores, making sure the support goes exactly where it’s needed most. This new investment is set to support 44 different local charities across the region, from groups helping young women to organisations providing support for children with additional needs.

The power of local choice

What makes this programme stand out is how it empowers local colleagues. Staff across 22 participating Lidl stores in the North and East of the region were given the chance to select a charity that meant something to them and their community. Each of the 44 chosen charities will receive a one-off £500 donation. It’s a simple idea, but it’s a powerful one. It means the investment is personal, directed by people who see the challenges and triumphs of their neighbourhoods every day. This initiative is a core part of a much bigger picture for the company. Since 2022, the Lidl Community Fund has already provided support to over 300 causes in the North East, contributing more than £480,000 to local charities. This ongoing programme shows a real dedication to being more than just a store, but an active part of the community it serves. It’s about building stronger communities from the ground up, one donation at a time. The community investment programme is clearly a priority for Lidl GB.

Making a real difference in Gateshead

One of the brilliant organisations chosen for support is The Young Women’s Project, picked by the colleagues at the Lidl store on Shields Road in Gateshead. This isn’t just any charity; for over 30 years, it's been a vital lifeline for young women aged 11 to 19. Life can throw some serious challenges at you when you’re that age, from mental health struggles to money worries, and this project is there to help them navigate it all. They provide one-to-one support, run group sessions, and offer trusted advice and guidance. For many young women facing tough times, this project is a safe space where they can get the help they need. The support from Lidl will make a tangible difference to their work, helping them continue to be there for hundreds of young people each year.

Joanne Jopling, CEO of The Young Women's Project, explained just how important these donations are:

"For over three decades, The Young Women’s Project has been a lifeline for young women across Gateshead. Each year we support around 250 young women, many of whom are experiencing significant challenges, including poor mental health, poverty or having fallen through gaps in existing services. Our dedicated team of nine specialist youth workers, including three who once accessed support here themselves, are passionate about making sure no young woman feels alone. Donations like the £500 from Lidl make a real and immediate difference. This funding will help us provide emergency care packages such as shoes and clothing for young women in crisis, while also supporting the mental health resources that so many rely on.”

Hearing this really brings home the impact of the investment. That £500 isn't just a number; it’s a new pair of shoes for someone in crisis or vital resources to help a young person with their mental health. It’s practical, immediate support.

Support across the North East

The good work doesn't stop in Gateshead. The community spirit is being spread far and wide across the North East. Colleagues from the Lidl stores in Peterlee and Washington also chose incredible local charities to support. In Peterlee, the team selected Little Treasures, an organisation that provides fantastic support for adults and children who are autistic or neurodivergent. Meanwhile, colleagues in Washington chose The Special Lioness, a charity dedicated to helping families of children who have additional needs. These choices show just how diverse the needs of local communities are, and how this programme allows for tailored support. From offering advice to young women to helping families and children, these donations are touching many different lives. It demonstrates a deep understanding that a strong community is one where everyone gets the support they need to thrive. The selection by Lidl colleagues ensures the charity donations are truly local.

More than just money: food and education

Lidl’s commitment to its communities is about much more than just financial donations. The company runs several other programmes aimed at providing long-term support. The 'Feed it Back' programme is a brilliant example. Run in partnership with the community platform Neighbourly, it focuses on redistributing surplus food from each store to those who need it most. Since 2016, this initiative has provided the equivalent of over 6.6 million meals to people in the North East, tackling food insecurity head-on. As part of this latest investment, charity partners connected to the 22 participating stores also received £300 Lidl gift cards to further help their efforts.

Then there’s the ‘Lidl Foodies’ programme, which is all about setting children up for a healthy future. With a £675,000 investment since 2024, this programme provides schools with resources to inspire healthy eating. It has already reached nearly 60,000 children across the North. This broad approach, covering everything from emergency funding and food to education, is what the company calls ‘The Lidl Effect’—benefits that spread far beyond a customer's shopping basket.

Ryan McDonnell, CEO at Lidl GB, shared his thoughts on the programme:

“We've made strong progress in our community investment, supporting millions of people in need through our food donations every year. We are always striving to go further though, which is the inspiration behind this latest initiative. This empowers our colleagues to support local, creating meaningful change alongside our charity partners in the communities they serve.”

It’s clear that for Lidl GB, this is about creating lasting, positive change. By empowering their colleagues to champion a local charity, they’re ensuring that their investment hits home, helping the amazing organisations that make the communities of the North East so special.