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Biedronka Steps Up to Support Flood Victims Across Poland

Recent flooding has caused devastation in several regions of Poland, leaving thousands displaced and in urgent need of assistance. In response to this national crisis, Biedronka, Poland’s largest supermarket chain, has taken swift action, launching a comprehensive initiative to help those affected by the floods. Through donations, product drives, and partnerships with major charity organisations, Biedronka is mobilising both its resources and its customers to support recovery efforts.

Devastating Floods Sweep Through Poland

The recent floods in Poland, triggered by days of relentless rainfall, have been described as some of the worst the country has seen in decades. Affected regions primarily include the south and southwest, with towns in Lower Silesia, Opole, and Silesia provinces bearing the brunt of the damage. Rivers such as the Odra and Nysa Kłodzka overflowed, submerging roads, homes, and critical infrastructure. Entire communities were cut off, forcing evacuations and leaving thousands of people without access to clean water or electricity. Rescue services, including firefighters and the Polish military, worked around the clock to manage the situation, but the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed local resources.

The floods were caused by a confluence of factors, including the intense storm system named Boris, which brought far more rain than usual for this time of year. Experts point to climate change as a likely contributor, noting that extreme weather patterns, like the one that caused these floods, are becoming increasingly common in Poland and across Europe. The consequences of the floods are far-reaching: beyond the immediate threat to lives and homes, the disaster has caused significant agricultural losses and damage to public infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and utilities. With water levels now receding, the focus has shifted to clean-up and rebuilding efforts, but the road to recovery is expected to be long and costly.

Immediate Response to the Floods

As heavy rains caused rivers to overflow, leading to widespread destruction across southern and western Poland, Biedronka, in collaboration with the Biedronka Foundation, was quick to respond. Within days of the floods, the company dispatched emergency supplies to the hardest-hit areas. The first deliveries, consisting of bottled water and non-perishable food, were sent to towns like Głuchołazy, Kłodzko, and Jelenia Góra. These supplies were crucial for both residents and rescue teams working to manage the immediate aftermath of the disaster.

Biedronka coordinated closely with local authorities to assess the needs of each community, ensuring that aid reached the most vulnerable areas. Following the initial wave of support, the supermarket chain expanded its efforts, introducing donation drives and lowering the prices of essential items in affected stores.

Flood in Poland

Customer Donations and Charity Partnerships

Recognising the power of collective action, Biedronka has involved its customers in the relief efforts. Starting on 17th September 2024, donation options were added to both self-service and traditional checkouts across the country. With a simple press of a button, customers can donate as little as 1 złoty, with all funds going directly to the Polish Red Cross (PCK). By 20th September, these micro-donations had already raised over 1 million złotys, demonstrating the solidarity of the Polish people in times of crisis.

In addition to monetary donations, Biedronka has organised product collection drives in collaboration with the PCK and Caritas. Customers are encouraged to donate hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and non-perishable foods, which will be distributed to flood victims. Special collection baskets have been set up in stores across the country, with volunteers from Caritas leading national drives on 27th and 28th September.

Key Products in Demand

As the clean-up begins in many of the flood-stricken areas, there is a strong demand for specific types of donations. Hygiene products, such as soap, shampoo, diapers, and toilet paper, are in short supply. Additionally, cleaning items like disinfectants, rubber gloves, and large trash bags are urgently needed to help families restore their homes.

To further support these efforts, Biedronka has introduced the “Safety Basket” – a selection of 20 essential items available at reduced prices in stores located in affected regions. The basket includes basic foodstuffs and cleaning supplies, all discounted by an average of 19%, to make these necessities more accessible to those in need.

Long-Term Assistance for Flood Victims

Beyond immediate aid, Biedronka is committed to helping flood victims rebuild their lives. The company has set up a fund for its employees directly impacted by the disaster, offering one-time grants of 1500 złotys to help cover urgent needs. Additionally, the funds raised through customer donations will be used to purchase household appliances, building materials, and other long-term necessities for those who have lost everything.

This wide-reaching initiative marks one of the most significant corporate responses to a natural disaster in Poland in recent years. By combining corporate resources with customer participation, Biedronka’s efforts are setting an example of how businesses can lead in times of crisis.

Collective Action and Hope

The floods have reminded the country of the importance of solidarity. As Poland recovers from the floods, the generosity of its people continues to shine through, and Biedronka’s campaign stands as a testament to the power of collective action in the face of adversity. While the road to recovery will be long, the immediate support from Biedronka and its customers offers hope to those affected by this devastating event.

As a society, we are once again faced with the need to show solidarity with those in need. We know that Biedronka’s customers always rise to the challenge, which is why we have involved them in our efforts.

Stated Karolina Błońska, Biedronka’s Sustainability Manager.
Karolina Twardowska
Karolina Twardowskahttp://poznanmagazine.com
Hi there, I'm Karolina! I'm all about three things: travel, art, and food! Catch me wandering around the charming streets of Provence, checking out cool museums, or digging into some delicious poutine. Always curious, I love exploring my city and sharing my finds with PoznańMagazine readers. Come along for the ride as we uncover the hidden gems of Poznań!
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