With over £300,000 in donations, December turns biggest month for Nisa’s charity

Nisa retailers have donated over £300,000 in December alone through the symbol group’s Making a Difference Locally (MADL) charity.

Totalling £303,549, raised by 201 Nisa stores that made 278 donations, the figure is the most ever donated via MADL in one month.

The feat follows strong support for good causes by retailers during the second lockdown, with almost £165,000 being donated between 5 November and 2 December.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have seen a record figure donated to charities across the UK via Making a Difference Locally last month, particularly at a time when many good causes are dealing with a significant loss of income due to the pandemicbut their services have never been more needed,” Kate Carroll, Nisa’s head of charity said.

“The record month represents a significant milestone for MADL but also demonstrates the eagerness of independent retailers to support their local community during difficult times, whilst also navigating various challenges of their own.”

More than half (157, totalling almost £179,000) of the donations in December went to those promoting good health and wellbeing. 66 donations were made to schools, playgroups and other education facilities, while 45 were made to charities promoting good food and nutrition (such as foodbanks) and a further 10 donations were given to causes providing shelter and security services, including centres for the homeless, the symbol group said.

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.

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, the charity 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.