Scotmid Co-operative has raised £315,000 for Samaritans during a year-long fundraising drive by the community retailer – funding 63,000 calls for the charity.
Employees, members and customers from Scotmid, Semichem, Lakes & Dales Co-op and Scotmid Funerals took part in different activities over the past 12 months in a bid to raise money for the charity. Events included an indoor cycleathon with Mark Beaumont, a yoga event with Adam Husler, quizzes and a sponsored zip slide.
Stores across Scotland also took part in Samaritan’s ‘Brew Monday’ and sold copies of the Radio Forth One ‘Kid in the Kitchen’ joke books and a limited-edition pack of Grahams Cupcakes.
Harry Cairney, President of Scotmid Co-operative, said: “We’re delighted to have achieved such a phenomenal final fundraising total for Samaritans; £315,000 is a fantastic sum of money and will go towards making a significant difference to the charity.
“As a co-operative, our core purpose is to serve our local communities and improve people’s everyday lives, which is why our year-long partnership with Samaritans has been so relevant.
“Sadly, suicide claims the lives of 6,000 people in the UK every year – extraordinary problems affecting ordinary people in everyday situations, which underlines the importance of the service that Samaritans provides.
“Talking to a helpline like Samaritans can help to save the life of someone who is struggling to cope. So to learn that the final total will go towards funding 63,000 calls is incredibly good news. We’re proud that Scotmid have helped Samaritans to be there when it matters.”
