The plea came as the deadline for contributions was extended until 6pm next Wednesday. The total donated is now more than£5 million, but that is far short of the minimum£10 million the Government had hoped for.
Many Farepak shoppers live in Labour heartlands and DTI minister Ian McCartney has spearheaded a campaign to help the 150,000 people who lost about£40 million when the hamper and savings club business collapsed.
HBoS, the bank blamed for pulling the plug on Farepak, has donated£2 million to the Farepak fund. Retail industry sources believe the bank is now under pressure to increase its contribution significantly.
The retail contingent of the FTSE 100 comprises Alliance Boots, DSG International, Home Retail Group, Kingfisher, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Next, Sainsbury's and Tesco. The majority have donated to Farepak victims already and were among the first businesses to respond to the crisis appeal.
No comments yet