Hungarian Retailers Unite for Charity During the Holiday Season

Record-Breaking Food Donations

In November, several retailers participated in the Hungarian Food Bank Association’s national Christmas food drive. Aldi, Auchan, Metro, and Tesco collected a record 374,000 kilograms of donations across 365 stores, enabling the assembly of 75,000 food packages. Tesco also pledged 20% of the value of food donations as monetary support, while Aldi contributed millions of forints to support the Food Bank’s year-round food rescue initiatives.

SPAR Hungary, in partnership with the Hungarian Maltese Charity Service, launched its 28th annual “Giving is Joy!” campaign. From December 12 to 17, over 3,000 volunteers will collect non-perishable food donations at more than 150 stores. Last year, 200 tons of donated food helped create gift packages for 25,000 families.

Lidl Hungary’s efforts extend beyond the holiday season. This November, the chain partnered with the Baptist Charity Service for a nationwide campaign in its 210 stores. Food vouchers purchased by customers will be used to assemble holiday food packages for families in need.

The Hungarian Red Cross has organized donation drives at Penny and Auchan stores. The “One Package of Love” campaign at all 24 Auchan locations collects essential goods for families, single individuals, and care institutions.

Financial and Material Contributions

Auchan Hungary’s Christmas toy sale supports the Tűzoltó Street Children’s Clinic by donating 250 forints from each Trefl puzzle sold. Funds will go toward purchasing a 10-million-forint lung function device. Lidl Hungary, through its Lidl Plus program, donated proceeds from plush raccoon sales to create food packages for underprivileged families.

Penny Market has pledged around 15 million forints in monetary and product donations for children and families in need. Employees are also involved, collecting Christmas gifts for SOS Children’s Villages and participating in charity runs.

Aldi has supported the Bátor Tábor Foundation since 2014, helping children with serious illnesses through financial donations and fulfilling their Christmas wishes.

Charitable Drives for Animals

Aldi also runs pet food drives between Christmas and New Year in partnership with the Ant Foundation, collecting food for animal shelters. Last year’s campaign resulted in 35 pallets of pet food and an additional 3 tons donated by Aldi, benefiting 6,000 animals.

Nationwide Efforts for a Brighter Holiday

Through these initiatives, Hungary’s food retailers not only provide financial support totaling over 100 million forints but also rally employees and volunteers to directly contribute to local communities. These efforts ensure that families, children, and even animals in need receive the help and care they deserve during the festive season.