How new community champion Michelle helped her area during the pandemic

Michelle Stevenson from our Glenrothes store started her community champion role just three weeks before the country went into lockdown at the start of the pandemic – and she says she's delighted to have been able to support her local area during its time of need.

Michelle works closely with local groups, charities, school and good causes, offering her time and support, arranging donations from the store and working with our charity, the Asda Foundation, to secure larger grants.

She says she's proud to be involved with the Asda's community programme, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

"I remember the role being advertised just before Christmas 2019 and thinking I could get my teeth in to it and really make a difference to the community and to the colleagues," said Michelle. "I had seen the previous community champion in the role and thought it looked like a really amazing job!”

She jumped straight into the role and achieved great success for her community within the first year – she was even commended in Scottish Parliament for her work and Asda’s support in tackling food poverty.

Since the start of the pandemic Michelle has achieved some great results for the Glenrothes community.

She managed to secure a grant for local primary and secondary schools, support via grants and donations to an emergency pantry and secured 10 laptops and data packages for one of the local high schools, as well as other grants and donations.

Michelle said: “No one does this job for the recognition. It can be quite overwhelming at times but it is a job that I take a lot of pride in and I am always delighted when I get recognition for my work. I have been mentioned in Scottish Parliament again this year for the work I did at Christmas, which is extremely humbling.”

Michelle is a well-known figure in the community and receives great feedback from the groups and charities which she supports through the Asda Foundation.

She said: “Many families, small charities and groups are really struggling financially at the moment, so any support we can offer at all is appreciated and always well received.

“I cannot ask for more support from my store in terms of donations. Colleagues and managers are always willing to help, dress down or contribute by way of grocery donations. They are such a great bunch.”