The team at M&S Manchester has joined 5,000 of their colleagues across the UK by taking part in a community volunteering drive this week. The 20-strong team rolled their sleeves up and renovated the outdoor space at the Whitemoss Club for Young People.
Throughout the week, M&S colleagues across the nation committed over 40,000 hours to volunteering at 685 local projects that make a difference to the communities they serve. Every project had a common goal, which is to bring people together.
The Whitemoss centre is a social hub for young people in the local community; it has a sports hall, a sensory room, games room, an allotment and music studio. Volunteers at M&S Manchester have worked throughout the week to transform the outdoor areas at the centre, creating an inviting space where members can relax, play games, and enjoy the summer weather.
Since its establishment in 1956, the club has grown considerably over the years and now supports over 100 children and young adults. It is run by manager John Biggs, who was an original member when the centre first opened as a local boy’s club.
Jo Ellis, Store Manager of M&S Manchester: “It’s been great to see our colleagues come together to lend a hand to Whitemoss Club for Young People. Volunteering makes a real difference to our local community and we’re proud to be able to improve the lives of young people in Manchester”.
John Biggs, Centre Manager at Whitemoss: “As an organisation which relies entirely on volunteers, we’re thrilled to have had the support of the M&S Manchester team in the refurbishment of our outdoor space. We’re so excited that the garden has been transformed just in time for the summer break.”
M&S stores across the UK are connected to local initiatives by Neighbourly, the social network for social good. To get involved in the online conversation, follow @MarksandSpencer and #MarksinAction.
M&S stores across Manchester have been involved in the Marks In Action volunteering initiative – the team from the Chorlton Cum Hardy store volunteered at the Langford Centre, creating a peaceful outdoor space for residents of the centre who have recently become homeless to relax and enjoy, and the Piccadilly Gardens team created a seating space for the local community supported by The Will Griffiths Tenants Association.
