Industry charity GroceryAid has revealed it spent a record-breaking amount £4,384,950 on welfare during the last 12 months.
Gillian Barker (pictured), GroceryAid Director General, commented; “I am delighted to report that another great year of industry support has enabled GroceryAid to help even more current and former colleagues in need. We have for the first time in our history helped more than 11,000 grocery colleagues.”
The welfare spend wasn’t the only record to fall over the period. Monies raised hit an all-time high of £4,694,648 in 2015/16, with regional branches raising a record-breaking £1,163,335.
The charity’s annual Diamond Ball raised a record £292,353, the Sporting Heroes Luncheon £323,334 and the inaugural Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge £30,255. Companies and individuals brought in £1,691,447.
During the past twelve months the GroceryAid Helpline saw more than 7,800 people call in or access online support. Financial assistance given included regular financial support, along with one-off grants and emergency payments. The Carers Programme, which is now in its second year, gave financial and emotional support to around 580 people, assisting almost one-fifth to juggle caring responsibilities and employment.
Barker concluded: “The need for our support has never been greater and we are very thankful that our industry continues to stand behind our work.”
To find out more please visit the GroceryAid website, email info@groceryaid.org.uk or call 01252 875925. For welfare advice please call the confidential Helpline on 08088 021122.
