Christmas may seem like another world from the coronavirus pandemic we're currently experiencing, but if you can look back that far, you'll probably remember the absolute phenomenon that was Kevin the Carrot.
The adorable vegetable won the hearts of the nation as he appeared in Aldi's Christmas advert for the second year running, and as a result, shoppers could be seen fighting in supermarkets to get their hands on one of the Kevin toys before they sold out.
Now Kevin is back again, and Aldi has given him a very special makeover.
The reason why? To celebrate our NHS heroes, of course.
According to the Mirror, the supermarket has released some limited edition versions of the iconic toy, which will be auctioned off in aid of NHS Charities Together and its long-term charity partner Teenage Cancer Trust.
In recognition of the ongoing work of NHS and TCT staff, including those helping to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, 400 of the supermarket’s plush toys will make an unseasonal appearance, this time donning doctor and nurse uniforms.
From April 24, 400 of the toys will be sold via eBay with 100 percent of the proceeds donated to the two charities.
Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, said: "Our team has been working hard to do our bit in helping to feed the nation, from priority access for emergency workers, to charity food donations through our ongoing work with Neighbourly.
She continued: "With our Kevin and Katie plush toys proving extremely popular at Christmas and having helped to raise money for charity in the past, we felt what better way to raise money and celebrate NHS workers, than to create ‘superhero’ doctor and nurse carrots for fans to bid on?"
The limited-edition doctor and nurse Kevin and Katies will be available to bid on via auction starting at £1.11, to reflect the non-emergency number the public are encouraged to call if they experience covid-19 symptoms.
The auctions will take place over a four-week period with the first lots launching at 8pm on Friday 24th April.
Ellie Orton, Chief Executive of NHS Charities Together commented: "We’re thrilled Aldi has chosen to raise money in aid of NHS Charities Together and particularly in such a creative way that helps celebrate our health heroes.
"These funds will help support the wellbeing of NHS staff, volunteers and patients now and in the future. Thank you, Aldi, and everyone who bids, for supporting us and the incredible work of Teenage Cancer Trust."
Kate Collins, Chief Executive of Teenage Cancer Trust added: "Aldi has been an incredible partner of Teenage Cancer Trust over the past three years, helping us be there for young people facing some of the toughest situations in their lives.
"We’re delighted that these limited-edition Katie and Kevin carrots will help us continue to support young people with cancer during this current crisis and beyond. On behalf of Teenage Cancer Trust I’d like to say thank you to Aldi for being such fantastic partners, and for helping us support young people across the UK."
