Sainsbury's Middle Brook Street, Winchester have reached the half-way stage into their year-long partnership with Winchester Young carers Project and thanks to the support of the Winchester community.
Back in June last year, the store announced that Winchester Young Carers project will be their Local Charity partner for the next twelve months, following votes from customers. The charity provides support to young carers in the Winchester District. The Local Charity partner scheme, which launched in May 2009, has seen thousands of charities across the country benefit from Sainsbury's colleagues raising funds and awareness of their chosen charities.
Sainsbury's Middle Brook Street, Winchester Store Manager Stuart Purdy said: "When our customers helped us to select Winchester Young Carers as this years Local Charity Partner, we knew this was a charity that would really capture the hearts and minds of our colleagues. We've now held several fundraising activities and we're working to ensure the second half of our partnership will support the charity further".
Highlights during the first six months have included taking part in Halloween activities during October half term at the Kayac centre, Providing a Christmas dinner for the young people and supporting with the groups Paralympics activities.
Local MP Steve Brine said: "I am really pleased the partnership is going so well. I know our local Sainsbury's is really committed to the community which makes them the perfect fir with our Young Carers who never cease to amaze me with their work for young people across the area. I wish them all the best for the second half of the year."
Through the partnership, collection buckets have been in-store for customers to make a donation if they wish. The buckets will remain in-store until May, when the store will begin it's search for their next Local Charity Partner. Customers will be made aware of the voting process in May. For now though, colleagues are busy working on their next area of support for the charity – a team of colleagues are taking part in the Rotary swimathon on Saturday 23rd February to raise funds for the project.
Ben Hogbin, Project manager said: "The support which the colleagues have provided us so far has been really beneficial in helping to raise our profile in the Winchester area. I'd to take this opportunity to thank every Sainsbury's Winchester customer and colleague who's generously recognised the partnership and has made a donation to our cause. We're proud to be the store's Local Charity Partner and we look forward to working with colleagues during the remainder of our partnership".