Gissing's mother was born in Japan, and he yesterday wrote to Ocado employees and customers, urging them to donate to the Japan appeal, with Ocado matching the first £20,000.
He writes that it is a mistake to think that because Japan is a highly developed nation, it does not need aid.
His letter in full:
Japan faces its worst crisis since 1945. Sitting in the UK, we read about natural disasters in other parts of the world but thankfully we remain largely insulated from them.
Some people might feel that Japan doesn't need help in the same way as developing countries might. However, I believe that most people will be struck by the severity of the situation and be asking: "what can I do to help?"
You may find it a little incongruous for the co-founder of a grocery service to be speaking to you about a natural disaster occurring on the other side of the globe, and I apologise if that is the case. However, in the past week, I have spoken to many people who wish to provide support or help but do not know how to.
My mother is Japanese and I have been in contact with many family members and friends living in Japan. They have recommended that the best way for people in the UK to help is to make a donation via Mercy Corps to Peace Winds Japan, a local Tokyo-based NGO.
To help to do that, we have set up an Ocado Japan Appeal donation page on JustGiving. To start things off, we have pledged to match the first £20,000 worth of donations made by our team and customers.
We hope you feel able to give generously.
Jason Gissing, Ocado Co-Founder.
.jpg)
.jpg)