SPAR UK in April 2023 commissioned a survey into the types of volunteer work people do to support their local communities covering 2,000 adults throughout the country. The most popular types of volunteer work included assisting in schools, volunteering in charity shops and litter picking in community spaces. Supporting local sports events and community groups and driving people lacking transport were also high on the list of assistance given.

SPAR UK’s Community Cashback programme gives back to communities with the support of SPAR retailers and shoppers. Nurturing neighbourhoods and supporting communities is synonymous with the SPAR brand and the second edition of the community cashback programme extends that support to deserving local organisations at a time extra financial support is most needed.

Volunteers’ reasons for getting involved vary, with 56% doing so to help others, and 46% wanting to give back to their community. The main reason to volunteer was revealed to be seeing people first-hand experiencing troubles such as the cost-of-living crisis and homelessness. It also emerged that 16% have started helping others more in 2023. 28% think the act is good for their own general well-being, with 39% enjoying meeting new people.

Of those who have helped others, 52% have shopped for someone else, and 29% have delivered food to a vulnerable person. In a typical month, those who do help their communities do so for an average of eight hours – giving two hours per week. Of all adults, 61% say they have a lot of respect for those that volunteer and 38% feel it is important to do something for the local community.

SPAR UK’s Community Cashback scheme will donate £100, 000 to local voluntary or community organisations and charities across the UK on behalf of its shoppers again this year, building on the success of last year’s inaugural programme. The 2023 winners will be announced in May 2023.

Source: SPAR UK

Read more about SPAR UK.

About SPAR UK

The UK became a SPAR member in 1956 when SPAR International granted the SPAR licence to a group of independent wholesalers. As a result, there are now five regional partners in the UK. A central office in London provides national marketing and buying services for the group.

SPAR has led the highly competitive convenience market in the UK for many years. Always innovative, the five regional partners continue to grow the brand. SPAR UK comprises independently owned licensed retailers and company-owned stores. These include forecourts, airports, train stations, city centres, and local neighbourhood stores.