At a time when many people feel a growing loss of togetherness, SPAR continues to show that community spirit is very much alive and is powered by everyday people who quietly keep their communities connected
New research commissioned by leading convenience retailer SPAR reveals that while modern life is leaving people feeling increasingly stretched, everyday acts of kindness continue to hold communities together.
Despite the common challenges people face – 59% say they simply don’t have enough time, 48% cite financial pressures – the new research shows that community spirit remains very much alive.
64% of Britons say they have helped someone in their local community over the past year. These everyday acts of kindness include:
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donating food to people in crisis (27%)
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giving neighbours urgent lifts (28%)
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checking in on elderly neighbours (17%)
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helping families with childcare (12%)
SPAR has joined forces with Olympic Champion Colin Jackson CBE to launch Everyday Champions in selected stores in Central, Southeast England and Wales to recognise the people who are giving up their time and energy for others in their communities.
The campaign invites the public to nominate individuals whose kindness, generosity and commitment make life better for others every day in their communities.
Whether it’s the neighbour who never hesitates to help the elderly within their street, the volunteer who gives up evenings to support local causes, the grassroots sports coach inspiring young people, or the fundraiser who always puts local causes first, SPAR wants to celebrate their heroic actions which are helping our communities every day.
The campaign also marks 30 years of partnership between SPAR and European Athletics, celebrating the values that unite sporting and community champions – dedication, resilience, perseverance, and inspiring others.
Speaking about the campaign, Colin Jackson said: “When people hear the word ‘champion’, they usually think of medals and podiums. But some of the greatest champions I’ve ever met have never competed in a stadium.
They’re the people who quietly look after neighbours, volunteer in their communities, coach local sports teams, support families through difficult times and simply make life better for the people around them. What I love about the new research and this campaign is that, despite the pressures people are facing, kindness is still thriving.
These everyday acts might seem small, but they can completely change someone’s day, or even their life. That’s why I’m proud to help SPAR celebrate the people who keep our communities strong.
Anna Hay, Marketing and Customer Experience Director, A F Blakemore & Son Ltd, said:
“These findings tell an important story – many people are feeling under enormous pressure. Modern life often leaves people with less time, less money and less capacity to support others in the way they would like.
Yet despite these challenges, millions of acts of kindness take place in communities across the country every day. It is these moments of generosity, compassion and connection that we want to celebrate.”
At SPAR, we see community spirit every day in our stores, with regular stories of how our colleagues and retailers go above and beyond for their customers within the communities we serve. It is these quiet acts of kindness, connection and care that have inspired this campaign. Everyday Champions is our way of recognising the remarkable people who hold our communities together.
We know every community has someone whose kindness makes an extraordinary difference, and we can’t wait to hear their stories.”
Members of the public can nominate their Everyday Champion through participating SPAR stores or online at:Â https://www.spar.co.uk/community/everyday-champions/
Five winners will be selected to attend the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships as VIP guests, where they will be recognised by Colin Jackson in a special celebration honouring the everyday champions whose impact reaches far beyond their local communities.
More than 1,600 athletes from 48 nations will compete for glory at Birmingham 2026 in what marks the first time that the Championships will be staged in the UK – a landmark moment and a rare opportunity for UK fans to witness Europe’s finest athletes in action at Alexander Stadium from 10-16 August.
As a retailer rooted in communities across the UK, SPAR has long championed local people and grassroots initiatives. Everyday Champion builds on that commitment by giving communities the opportunity to publicly thank the people whose compassion, generosity and selflessness often go unnoticed.
