Greggs has teamed up with mobile phone provider Virgin Media O2 to give free mobile data to families in need.
Operating through the Greggs Hardship Fund, the new scheme will see free O2 SIM cards and voucher codes handed out to families who need them, through schools across the UK. Those who are given the cards and voucher cards will get 15GB of mobile data each – which is more than three times the amount used in a month by the average mobile phone user in the UK, according to Ofcom.
Trial locations for the scheme include schools in the North East, as well as Scotland, the South East and the Midlands. The Greggs Hardship Fund offers families a helping hand through the provision of supermarket and clothing vouchers, beds, white goods and other household items.
READ MORE: Greggs to create 125 jobs in major North Tyneside factory expansion
Tracy Lynch, Greggs Foundation manager, said: “At Greggs we understand many people struggle to make ends meet and when unexpected costs arise, many can suddenly find themselves in very difficult circumstances. With the Hardship Fund, we are able to offer a helping hand to people who need it most. By joining the National Databank we are now able to provide further essential support to those facing hardship.”
Nicola Green, from Virgin Media O2, said: “We’re proud to see the National Databank go from strength to strength, providing free mobile data to people who need it. We’re delighted to welcome the Greggs Foundation, so we can support more families across the UK and help connect the disconnected.
“Our support of the National Databank forms part of our new Better Connections Plan, where we’re using our purpose, people, and products to power a better, more connected, and greener future for our customers and communities nationwide.”
Last month the Greggs Foundation opened its latest breakfast club in the North East to offer children a better start to the day. The club at Bishop’s Primary School in Ashington, Northumberland, will offer 90 children a free, nutritional breakfast before school to help them prepare for the day ahead.
The opening comes as Greggs has outlined aims to support 1,000 breakfast clubs around the UK as part of a 10-point community action plan launched last year. It currently serves free breakfasts to around 40,000 children every school day at more than 650 clubs, while the company also allows customers to support the initiative at its stores by donating a free breakfast by adding 25p to any purchase.
Virgin Media O2’s support of the National Databank forms part of its new sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan – which has bold and ambitious commitments to use its purpose, people, and products to power a better, more connected, and greener future for its customers and communities nationwide.
Read more:
