Making A Difference - Locally

Making A Difference - Locally is a charity that was launched in May 2008 to help independently-run local stores to add value in their communities through donations to local charities or good causes - such as local football teams or hospices. The scheme is truly local as money will be raised by local stores over time through the sale of specific products in their stores. The store owner then chooses the beneficiary for the money and a donation is paid to the charity or cause by the Making A Difference - Locally charity. Making A Difference – Locally raised £1 million in its first year.

Local stores are at the heart of communities, ideally placed to provide their customers with a personal and friendly service during their shopping trip. The Making A Difference - Locally charity will help them further cement their position in the community and reward them for the support they have been given over the years.

Over 2,000 stores nationwide, including Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, began participating in Making A Difference - Locally - all of which display the Making A Difference - Locally logo.

The benefits to your business:

By participating in the scheme, you will encourage footfall, increase customer spend and drive customer loyalty as shoppers seek to support local good causes. It is also possible that your involvement may be of interest to your local newspaper or radio station.

The benefits to your local community:

As an independent retailer, you are at the very heart of your community and your ability to build solid relationships within it is an advantage you have over the major supermarket chains. Your local donations will make a real difference to your community and further enhance your relationship with the people in it.