Nisa retailers step up their focus on charity fund raising during second lockdown

The money was raised through the symbol group’s Making a Difference Locally (MADL) charity between 5 November and 2 December when England was in its second lockdown of the year.

More than 200 Nisa outlets made a total of 329 donations during the period with 60% of the money going to health and well-being charities and some 11% going to causes promoting good food and nutrition such as food banks.

Learning facilities, such as schools and playgroups, have also been supported along with charities providing shelter and security services including homeless centres.

Kate Carroll, Nisa’s head of charity said: “We’ve seen countless examples of Nisa partners going above and beyond for their local communities this year and demonstrating the value independent retailers provide to the local area.

The additional support given to good causes via MADL, at a time when many are facing a significant loss of income but a higher demand for their services, has been incredible.

“November was one of our biggest months for partner donations and we expect the additional support offered by Nisa retailers to their communities to continue throughout the festive period and beyond.”

MADL raises funds from sales of Heritage and Co-op own-label products, a percentage of which goes into a virtual fund for retailers to donate.

Additional funds are also raised through in-store collecting tins.

Retailers are able to donate funds raised to a local charity or good cause of their choice within a 10-mile radius of their store.

Since its formation in 2008, MADL has raised more than £12m and supported charities and other good causes with over 13,000 donations.