Asda delivery staff to wear badge with three heartwarming words this Christmas

Not all heroes wear capes, and in this case, the heroes may be wearing a neon green Asda vest knocking on your door.
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In a newly-launched initiative called 'Delivering Christmas Kindness', the giant supermarket is now working with its delivery drivers and in-store Community Champions to tackle social isolation in the community in the lead up to the holidays amid lockdown.

From today (November 25), Asda said 7,500 of its delivery drivers will have the option to add a new element to their uniform, a 'Happy to Chat' badge.

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The badge will let the customers know they're happy to have a quick chat with them whilst their shopping is being delivered.

The new initiative, which is backed by national charity Royal Voluntary Service, was done following studies which found that almost two thirds of Brits (63 per cent) experiencing loneliness as a result of the ongoing pandemic and restrictions in place.

Meanwhile, a quarter of the nation (23 per cent) are only interacting with people once a week and 73 per cent said a conversation with a delivery driver can lift their mood.

In a statement, Asda said: "These small interactions can make a big difference though - chats with delivery drivers (24 per cent), encounters with neighbours (35 per cent) and FaceTime with a loved one (41 per cent), for just a few minutes have boosted morale throughout the pandemic.

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"36 per cent have confirmed that even a quick chat can lift their spirit during these difficult times.

A delivery from the Asda supermarket  (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)A delivery from the Asda supermarket  (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
A delivery from the Asda supermarket (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

"The badges will be particularly useful for the 42 per cent who say they shy away from starting a conversation as they don't want to be a burden. 25 per cent would also be more likely to start a new conversation if they knew the other person was 'Happy to Chat' too."

Asda will also be working with local school children to create Christmas cards for local care homes and those isolated in the community.

Anna-Maree Shaw, chief commercial officer of Asda, said: “It’s a challenging time for everyone, especially those experiencing loneliness. While ASDA colleagues have always made an effort to have a quick chat and raise a smile, we want to make sure that whether it’s in our stores, at the doorstep or in the community – we’re here for customers this Christmas.”