Newly appointed Prince of Wales Hospice Patron and well-known name in the convenience sector Bobby Singh is encouraging fellow convenience retailers to use their businesses as a force for good, saying local stores are uniquely placed to support and strengthen the communities they serve.
Singh has been recently appointed as patron of Prince of Wales Hospice Patron, reflecting his continued dedication to supporting the local community beyond the convenience sector.
Describing the parton role as "a huge honour", Singh shared with Asian Trader, "In reality, our family has been supporting The Prince of Wales Hospice since it was first built, whether that’s through donations, fundraising or simply helping wherever we can.
"Becoming a Patron doesn’t change who we are or what we’ve been doing for many years it gives me the privilege of officially representing a charity that means so much to our community."
Singh said he will continue to support the hospice by raising awareness of the incredible work it does and will also encourage others to get involved.
The occasion was made even more poignant when the hospice dedicated an acorn on its Celebration Tree in memory of Singh's late father, Jasbir Singh Boghar.
"On a personal level, the respect the hospice has shown my late dad by dedicating an engraved acorn in his memory means more than words can say. It means the world to me and my family, and it’s something we’ll always treasure.
"I feel incredibly humbled and grateful to have been given this honour, and I’ll do my very best to support the hospice in every way I can," Singh said.
Bobby SinghBobby Singh
As patron of Prince of Wales Hospice, Singh will help raise awareness of the hospice's work and use his business to encourage others to get involved.
This comes just months after Singh was appointed as Vice Chairman of Pontefract's government-backed Pride in Place programme.
"People often ask how I fit everything in, but the truth is these roles all have one thing in common they’re about supporting our community.
"Being Vice Chairman of Pride in Place comes with an important responsibility to help shape the future of our area by listening to our community, working with fellow board members and local partners, and helping ensure local people’s views and priorities are represented.
"That’s something we’ve naturally been doing through our business for over 40 years. Every day we speak to hundreds of people. We hear what’s going well, what challenges people are facing and what matters most to them. Those conversations are invaluable," Singh said.
Singh is calling on fellow store owners to embrace the influence they have beyond the shop floor and realise the difference they are already making in their communities.
"A convenience store is far more than somewhere people come to buy their essentials. It’s a community hub. Every day you have conversations with customers about everything from the weather and football to family, holidays and sometimes the challenges they’re facing. Those relationships are incredibly powerful.
"Start by supporting a local charity, school, sports club or community project that means something to you. It doesn’t always have to be about money sometimes giving your time, your support or simply helping raise awareness can have just as much impact."
Singh stressed that retailers are in a unique position.
"We understand their needs, and we can help bring those needs forward. I’d encourage more retailers to get involved because it’s one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. When your community succeeds, we all succeed," he said.