“The stocks are at the right level in our stores and warehouses, and we are confident in our supply chain and our ability to serve customers with the products they need,” the Tesco press office said in response to questions from budapestbusinessjournal.com.

“Our thoughts are with the people affected by the Ukraine crisis and with all those impacted at such a difficult and worrying time. We are committed to supporting humanitarian relief efforts through our partnerships with the Red Cross, food banks and other relief organizations, like Interchurch Aid (Ökumenikus Segélyszervezet) in Hungary,” the press office told us.

Across the Tesco Group, the retailer has already taken what it calls “initial steps.” Last week, it donated GBP 1 million (about HUF 477 mln) to the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal. Red Cross teams at borders such as with Hungary are providing essential aid.

Inside Ukraine, Red Cross volunteers provide first aid, warm clothes, and support in shelters and metro stations. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) focuses on restoring water supplies, supporting medical facilities, and providing food and shelter.

“Our first donations of food, hygiene products and clothing left depots in Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia on Feb. 26, 48 hours after the crisis started,” Tesco’s press office noted. “We will continue to work closely with official relief organizations in all three countries, as well as local governments.”

In Hungary, Tesco is working with its strategic partner, Hungarian Interchurch Aid. “To help it provide essential aid to those in need, besides the product donation we have and continue to offer, we have announced a charity coupon fundraising campaign in our stores between March 2-18. Customers can purchase charity coupons in our stores and online, and Tesco will double the customer donations during this period.”

The Tesco Angel Foundation is paying immediate support to those colleagues who offered their homes to refugees. “We will also hold open roles and continue to pay the salary for the small number of families where Ukrainian colleagues have decided to cross the border and return to Ukraine, very much in line with the support we offered vulnerable colleagues during COVID,” the press office explained.
 

“We are exploring the opportunities to provide work to Ukrainian people at Tesco stores in Hungary. We’re aware that many of our customers and colleagues want to help; this is why we’ve launched the charity coupon fundraising campaign in our stores.”


MTI Photo: Csaba Krizsán