Press Office

Click to read our online copy of Consortium

Image Library

Journalists who wish to access images and files please request an account from the pr department.

Press Area Login

*

*

New charity launched to make a difference

07/05/2008

A new charity called Making A Difference – Locally, has recently been launched with the intention of assisting more than 2000 independent retailers throughout the UK, including Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, help their communities through charitable donations made to local good causes.

The Making A Difference charity will seek to reward good causes within the communities the retailers operate. It will essentially involve a donation to a local good cause – such as a local youth football team or hospice – of the retailer’s choice.

Local retailers are ideally placed to understand the needs of the communities they serve and provide them with a personal, friendly service, and traditionally are very proactive in supporting local charities. By participating in the scheme, the retailers will be able to make an even greater contribution to good causes in their local communities and develop a closer relationship with their customers.

The charity was created by Nisa-Today’s, the UK’s leading member-owned organisation, providing benefits to independent retailers and wholesalers in food and drink markets, in association with Costcutter Supermarkets. The stores participating in the scheme are all members of Nisa-Today’s or Costcutter Supermarkets.

Managing director of Central Distribution Trading and Logistics at Nisa-Today’s, John Sharpe said: “Being an essential part of their local communities is an area where independents have a huge advantage over the national supermarkets. The Making A Difference initiative has been designed to help retailers capitalise on this and reaffirm their position at the heart of the community.”

Executive Chairman of Costcutter Supermarkets Group, Colin Graves said: "Making A Difference - Locally is a fantastic way for local shops to support local charities & good causes that are at the centre of the local community. Independent retailers already fulfil an important role within their communities and the Making a Difference - Locally scheme can only strengthen this local bond. We’re delighted to be a joint partner with Nisa-Today’s in this initiative and with over 2,000 stores taking part we’re looking forward to helping communities the length and breadth of the UK."

In addition to the scheme, both Nisa and Costcutter will continue their long-term commitment to supporting national good causes. Over the years the groups have donated a significant amount to charitable organisations that exist to make a difference to the lives, opportunities and prospects of people across the UK.

For more information please contact: