Middleton News owner Ikram Vali has donated his £3,500 Community Champion Award prize to the Burnside Centre in Greater Manchester, after customers chose the local charity as the cause they wanted to support.
Vali was named the first winner of PayPoint’s Community Champion Awards Programme earlier this summer, receiving the All-Rounder Award in recognition of more than 26 years serving customers at Middleton News.
The programme was launched by PayPoint in June to recognise retailers who make a positive contribution to their local communities.
Middleton News has become a community hub, offering parcel, ATM and banking services alongside bill payment and card processing, as well as its traditional convenience retail offer.
After receiving the award, Vali asked customers which local cause should receive the £3,500 community fund. Burnside Centre emerged as the preferred choice.
Established in 1969, Burnside Centre is a registered charity and community facility in Langley, Middleton. It provides early-years provision, health and wellbeing activities, advice and training, food and crisis support, and activities aimed at bringing local residents together.
“I wanted the community fund to support a cause that really matters to the people who use our store, so I spoke to customers about where it should go,” said Vali.
“Burnside Centre was the standout choice among our regulars, and I’m delighted the £3,500 will help it continue the brilliant work it does for children, families and residents across our community.”
Burnside Centre manager Kerry Edwards thanked PayPoint, Vali and Middleton News customers for the donation.
“It means a great deal to know that local people chose to support our work,” she said. “The funding will help us continue providing opportunities, support and activities for children, families, and residents across our community.”
PayPoint said the Community Champion Programme builds on its partnerships with retailers across the UK, highlighting those delivering strong business performance while creating a positive community impact.
Future awards will recognise retailers across categories including parcels, PayPoint, I BankLocal and retailer improvement.