Local charity gets surprise donation at Nearby store

Local community group Triple A, who provide activities and social opportunities for adults with autism and learning disabilities in the Co. Armagh area in Northern Ireland, has been announced as the winners of Local Legends competition by the Nearby symbol group.

Nearby NI team has made a surprise announcement of the winning group at their local Nearby store in Co. Armagh.

Bernie O’Connor who runs Triple A and who organised for her team and the group to head to the store for their usual ice cream counter trip got more than she expected when Denise Watson, U105 Radio Presenter, appeared with a trophy and some flowers.

Nearby had teamed up with local Radio Station U105 and Watson to really surprise the group in store before announcing the prize fund of £500.

“Community grants and funds have become increasingly challenging for small groups like Triple A to raise; especially with the cost of living and lack of an NI Executive and we are delighted here at Nearby to not only be able to support in this way but to raise awareness of the continuous excellent work the group does for families in the local community,” Daniel Comiskey, brand marketing lead at Nearby NI, said.

O’Connor added: “This prize will go a long way for the group and help us continue to go on different trips and activities. I was so surprised at the volume of entries we received from the people around us. Triple A is going over six Years and we know how much it means to the group and their families. It means so much to us. I would like to say a big thanks for everyone who nominated Triple A and the kind words wrote about the group in the entries – it is going to make a lot of difference to everyone involved.”

The symbol group said there has been an overwhelming response to the campaign with entries – from community groups who make a real difference to heartwarming individuals who go out of their way to help others – pouring in online, through its web and social channels as well as in each Nearby store.

The competition was the latest activity undertaken by the Nearby team to support the brand’s community campaign, which highlights the importance of their Nearby store in the community and how the store can be seen as the hub for many.

Comiskey concluded: “ On behalf of Nearby, I am delighted to present this cheque to the Triple A group and hope that they will be able to continue to do the amazing work and provide the support for so many. Triple A are certainly Local Legends to us. I would like to thank everyone who entered this competition; the response was phenomenal. The insight into the outstanding work our shoppers do and are proud to nominate in the local community has proved very humbling.”