Sainsbury’s invites shoppers to donate Nectar Points to Comic Relief in lieu of a cash donation to help families caught up in war in Ukraine

Shoppers wanting to help those caught up in the war in Ukraine, but don’t have the cash available to do so, can now donate their loyalty points to the supermarket instead.

Sainsbury’s is asking customers to donate their Nectar Points, in lieu of a cash donation, which in turn will be converted into cash and given to aid workers helping those caught up in the conflict.

When Russia began its invasion, communities across the UK launched drives for clothing, bedding, medical supplies and other items for people in need.

Sainsbury’s is asking people to donate Nectar Points instead of a cash donation

But as fighting continues and more than a million people are displaced, charities and the government have asked the public to send cash donations rather than physical goods.

But with money tight for many families as the cost of living in the UK rises, most recently with rising petrol prices, some have wished they could help but with little money available in the household income to do so.

But Sainsbury’s says it hopes its latest charity program will give customers the chance to donate and help those affected by the devastating war without straining already stretched household budgets.

The government and charities are asking for cash donations from people in the UK. Photo: AP.

How it works…

Nectar Points can now be used to donate to a number of causes, the retailer explains by logging in or using the Nectar app.

As well as donating to any charity you’d like to see money for, including the Disasters Emergency Committee and Unicef, Sainsbury’s has also partnered with Comic Relief who are also sending aid to Ukraine and collecting donations. Nectar donations specifically for this purpose during the first few weeks of this month.

Shoppers can show their support by returning their Nectar Loyalty Points

Every 200 points donated will see £1 donated to Comic Relief – and points can be donated until March 19. Additionally, the supermarket giant has also pledged to match all Nectar Points donations to Comic Relief made by account holders up to the value of £500,000.

In an email to customers with a Nectar Card, Sainsbury’s explained: “Your donations will help Comic Relief meet the immediate and urgent needs of people in crisis, providing essential services such as water, food and medical assistance.

“You will also help address medium- and long-term needs, including mental health, homelessness, child safety and ongoing violence against women and girls.”

Those wishing to donate must log into their Nectar account to do so and people must have spent at least 200 points to send their first £1.