Welsh chain CK Foodstores hits £130,000 donation milestone

Welsh convenience chain CK Foodstores have now donated over £130,000 to local community causes through Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally (MADL) charity.

CK’s, established in 1988, have contributed to a range of community initiatives since partnering with Nisa over ten years ago with many local sports clubs, playgroups and homeless charities benefitting from the chain’s generosity.

National charities including the Teenage Cancer Trust, Wales Air Ambulance and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution have also gained MADL funding over many years.

Recently, CK Foodstores have made donations to Stepping Stones Children Centre, Llandeilo Children & Youth Society and 1st St Davids Rainbows group.

“The ability to directly contribute and fund projects in our area, is something that everyone at CK, our suppliers and of course our customers, should be incredibly proud of,” Alun Littlejohns, director of retail operations at CK Foodstores, said.

“We try hard to spread the funding, matching causes and groups to our stores and keeping cash in our communities while helping in any number of directions. This year alone we’ve helped over 30 different groups, with grants from £250 to £1500 and we are not done yet!”

CK Foodstores was founded in 1988 by its managing director, Christopher Kiley, after acquiring a small store based in Llandeilo, Dyfed. The convenience chain now operates 35 sites, many operating under Nisa fascia.

MADL raises funds in Nisa partner stores from sales of all Co-op and Heritage own-label products, with a percentage going into a virtual fund for retailers to donate. Additional funds can also be raised via in-store collecting tins and clothing banks.

Since its inception, MADL has donated over £16 million to local charities and community organisations.

Kate Carroll, Head of Charity at Nisa, said: “CK Foodstores have made a significant impact on many charitable causes and community groups over a long period of time. The difference they have made to the lives of many people right across Wales cannot be understated and MADL looks forward to continuing our work with CK’s to continue this community work for many years to come.”