Asian Trader awarded Recognised Supporter accolade by GroceryAid

Asian Trader has been chosen as a Recognised Supporter for the second consecutive year at the annual GroceryAid Awards.

The Awards recognise support provided by the industry in three critical pillars: Awareness, Fundraising and Volunteering, with five criteria in each pillar.

Asian Trader has won the award for its activities to raise awareness, including a COVID-19 awareness initiative.

A total of 271 companies have received a GroceryAid Award, spread over Gold, Silver, Bronze and Recognised Supporter categories. This represents a growth of 24 per cent on 2019, which is particularly significant considering the exceptionally challenging circumstances of the last year.

“Without the backing of these amazing organisations we would not have been able to help more than 17,000 colleagues who found themselves in need of our emotional, financial and practical help when times got tough last year,” commented Steve Barnes, chief executive at GroceryAid.

“As our country and industry move into another challenging year, I am extremely grateful for their continued support.”

59 organisations secured a Gold Award from completion of eight activities across all three of the areas. 35 secured a Silver Award (six activities in two areas) and 35 achieved a Bronze Award (four activities in two areas). 142 organisations were acknowledged as Recognised Supporters for completing at least two activities.

In 2020 GroceryAid saw a 55 per cent increase in applications for financial support, crisis grants paid up by 87 per cent and 74 per cent more calls to the helpline. The number of Relate counselling sessions delivered has also doubled.