We'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped our Dumbarton store raise a total of £40,000 for local good causes in 2019.
The money was raised through events in store and via the Asda Foundation to help community groups tackle issues like period poverty, holiday hunger and rural access to medical services.
The store's community champion Christine McFie said: “We’re really proud of our colleagues and customers who have helped us to get behind national campaigns like Tickled Pink and BBC Children in Need as well as supporting local community groups and causes.
“In 2018 we raised £21,000 for the local community through in store fundraising and grant giving from the Asda Foundation. Last year that total increased to over £40,000 – absolutely amazing!”
One of the largest donations made by the store saw Luss Village Hall receive funding of £20,879.
The money has helped to ensure community medical services can continue to operate from the hall, after the service was under threat because the doctor’s consultation room needed an upgrade to comply with NHS standards.
Without this, those who rely on this service would have to make an 18-mile journey to the nearest medical centre – something that wasn’t practical for elderly or disabled residents.
The grant has also been used to update the kitchen, provide a disabled access toilet and refresh the interior, to make the space more accessible and appealing to community groups.
Nick Voigt, chairperson at Luss Village Hall, said: “We were so delighted with the Asda Foundation grant. It enabled us to move forward with our long-term plans to upgrade the hall and without the donation, we would have been facing a struggle to raise the remaining funds.
“The village and local community groups are excited about the upgrade and very much looking forward to getting back into the hall in April.”
At Christmas the store supported Dumbarton & District Women’s Aid, asking customers to donate toys and gifts to give to women and children seeking refuge over the festive period.
Christine says she was "blown away" by the support and generosity of Asda customers who were willing to help the organisation.
Smaller donations in 2019 included £250 to support the Phoenix Centre in providing women and girls with vital access to sanitary products, as well as a £1,000 grant to fund a breakfast club run by Haldane Youth Services, which provides breakfast and lunch during the holidays to reduce the strain on financially challenged families.
The store also regularly donates money to good causes throughout the year as voted for by shoppers through the Green Token Giving scheme.
