The Emersons Green branch of Sainsbury's have been supporting Meningitis Now for the last 12 months, after choosing us as their charity of the year, and recently presented us with a massive cheque for over £10,000
Our Corporate Account Executive Harry Gardner and Community Fundraising Officer for the South West, Leah Wynn, were on hand to gratefully collect the cheque from store manager Matt Payne and his colleagues. It will contribute towards our lifesaving and life-changing research, awareness and support work.We were shortlisted after one of their young part-time staff members Izzy Gentry, sadly died from meningitis in 2016. Izzy’s dad Paul said, “She really enjoyed working there and was very much liked by her colleagues. Following Izzy’s passing, the staff at Sainsbury’s were very supportive and organised a number of charity events in her memory. We really appreciate their support.”
Range of activitiesStaff at Sainsbury’s have been raising funds through various activities and events, including, book sales, plant sales, a quiz night, a Time 4 Tea, bucket collections in store, and collection tins at checkouts.
One dedicated member of the Sainsbury’s team even gave up her bank holidays in May to sell plants. After an early-morning shift, Claire Addison set up a stall selling tomato and aubergine plants, that she had grown from seeds herself. She also sold peppers and other plants at her second bank holiday sale at the end of May. Claire raised over £200 from her plant sales, making a fantastic contribution to the overall total.
Staff from our Brighter Futures partner, Irwin Mitchell, also gave up their time to help with fundraising in store. Imogen Lowden and James Aitken joined Sainsbury’s staff member Tracy Cannard to raise awareness of meningitis and sell books kindly donated by customers.
Tracy said, “It was great to have a last opportunity to help the charity as we are coming to the end of our partnership with them. Meningitis Now have been lovely to work with, and we are proud to have been able to support the charity.”
Generosity of customers
"The final figure of £10,081.96 raised clearly demonstrates the generosity of customers in this store and we are very grateful to them."
Harry Gardner, Corporate Account Executive at Meningitis Now, said, “We are so grateful for the support from Emersons Green Sainsbury’s over the last year”.
“As a charity that receives no government funding, we rely on the support from corporate supporters such as Sainsbury’s, to continue making a positive difference to the lives of people affected by meningitis.”
