Nisa’s charity raises £165,000 during second lockdown

Nisa retailers have raised almost £165,000 during England’s second lockdown period through the symbol group’s Making a Difference Locally (MADL) charity.

Between 5 November and 2 December, a total of 212 stores made 329 donations to the tune of £164,770 to support good causes.

“November was one of our biggest ever months for partner donations and we expect the additional support offered by Nisa retailers to their communities to continue throughout the festive period and beyond,” commented Kate Carroll, Nisa’s head of charity.

Health and wellbeing charities benefitted greatly, receiving 60 per cent of donations over this time, totalling £86,581, while 11 per cent were made to good causes promoting good food and nutrition, such as food banks, totalling £25,574.

A fifth (20%) of donations were made to support learning facilities such as schools and playgroups while 7 per cent were given to charities providing shelter and security services, including centres for the homeless.

During the three months since 23 March when the first national lockdown was in effect, Nisa retailers have collectively donated almost £280,000 to good causes.

Then, 52 per cent of all donations went to charities promoting good health and wellbeing, and 43 per cent were made to food banks and other community groups.

“We’ve seen countless examples of Nisa partners going above and beyond for their local communities this year and demonstrating the value independent retailers provide to the local area. The additional support given to good causes via MADL, at a time when many are facing a significant loss of income but a higher demand for their services, has been incredible,” Carroll added.

MADL raises funds in Nisa partner stores from sales of all Heritage and Co-op own-label products, a percentage of which goes into a virtual fund for retailers to donate.

Since its formation in 2008, MADL has raised over £12.3 million and supported charities and other good causes with over 13,000 donations.

Stores can donate funds raised to a local charity or good cause of their choice within a 10 mile radius, ensuring money raised will benefit the local community. There are over 2,300 stores participating in the initiative.