LIDL ANNOUNCES RETURN OF TOY BANK AS HEARTWARMING CHRISTMAS AD CHAMPIONS POWER OF SMALL GESTURES

• Lidl announces the return of its Toy Bank after last year’s initiative saw over 80,000 children who may not have otherwise received a gift, open a present on Christmas Day
• It comes as Lidl’s Christmas ad, which premieres on TV tonight during Emmerdale, charts the story of an adorable raccoon whose small gesture makes one little boy’s Christmas extra magical
• Embracing the spirit of giving this Christmas, Lidl will also be selling plush toys of the Raccoon and monkey featured in the ad – with all proceeds going to Neighbourly.

2nd November 2023, London: Lidl has today announced the return of its Toy Bank, a nationwide donation drive that last year saw over 80,000 toys donated to children who may not have otherwise received a gift. The announcement comes as the retailer’s heart-warming Christmas ad, which premieres today during Emmerdale, reminds viewers of the power of small gestures.

Brimming with Christmas spirit, the hotly anticipated advert tells the story of an adorable raccoon who goes above and beyond to make one little boy’s day extra special.

The story begins when the raccoon looks curiously through a window to see a family excitedly decorating a Christmas tree - when the beloved family dog accidentally smashes the little boy’s favourite monkey Christmas decoration.

Wanting to cheer her son up, the boy’s mother picks up a cuddly toy while doing the weekly shop at Lidl, but accidentally drops it on the cycle home. Having spotted the toy monkey stranded in the cold snow, the black and white striped protagonist jumps into action and crosses the city by any means possible - climbing road signs, riding the tube, and sailing on a log across a river – all to reach the family home and put the toy under the Christmas tree.

The advert, which is being shown across Lidl’s international markets, reminds viewers of the huge impact that small acts of kindness can have during the festive season.

Peter de Roos, Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl GB, says of the campaign: “At Christmas, there’s nothing more magical than seeing the joy a gift can bring to a child, and we want to help make sure this joy reaches all families. 

“Our hope is that by bringing back the toy donation points we are making it easier, for those customers who can, to donate directly to local good causes by giving them a small way to make a real difference and help those that need it the most.”

From today until 16th December, customers can drop off new and unopened toys and games, to be gifted to children that need support in their local area. Donations can be anything - from a small stocking filler to something bigger. Sought-after items include toys, games, books, puzzles, and arts and crafts, for a range of ages.

In addition, the retailer will for the first time be selling toys of the festive advert’s stars – with all proceeds going to Neighbourly. Both the raccoon and the monkey are available in a super cuddly plush toy – perfect for any super fans or for generous customers looking for donation inspiration. 

Charities, community groups and food banks can register interest now to receive surplus food and toy donations this Christmas at www.neighbourly.com/service/good-causes

ENDS

For more information, please contact lidl@wearetheomans.com

About Lidl GB 

Since establishing itself in Great Britain in 1994, Lidl GB has experienced continuous growth and today has over 31,000 employees, over 960 stores and 14 distribution centres in England, Scotland and Wales.

As part of the Schwarz retail group, Lidl is one of Europe’s leading organisations in the food retail industry. The supermarket, which has more than 376,000 employees globally, currently operates approximately 12,200 stores and more than 220 logistics centres and warehouses in 31 countries.

The supermarket takes pride in providing its customers with the highest quality products at the lowest possible prices throughout Great Britain, from Kirkwall to the Isle of Wight. Social responsibility and sustainability are at the core of the company's daily operations, with the company placing a strong emphasis on its responsibility for people, society, and the environment. Lidl GB is passionate about working with British producers and sources two thirds of its products from British suppliers.

The Schwarz Group, which operates worldwide as a retail group, generated a total revenue of €154.1 billion in the financial year 2022.

For more information about Lidl GB visit https://corporate.lidl.co.uk/