Rising to the challenge of supporting Women’s Aid (From Swindon Advertiser)

Rising to the challenge of supporting Women’s Aid

11:03am Friday 10th February 2012 in Local

COMMUNITY retailer The Midcounties Co-operative is celebrating after raising £170,000 for its charity partner Women’s Aid in just one year.

From climbing Kilimanjaro to playing football, sky-diving to stepping out on sponsored walks and holding Give at the Till collections, enterprising colleagues have embraced the cause.

The partnership will continue for a further year with more fundraising and practical support planned.

The money collected will help the charity’s work to end domestic violence against women and children nationally and also support 11 local services that operate up and down the country.

Colleagues have taken on volunteer challenges at refuges, including one in Swindon, as part of the partnership and have also helped raise awareness about domestic violence and its impact on families, communities and society.

Chief executive Ben Reid said: “I’m very grateful to all colleagues, members and customers who have got behind our charity partner Women’s Aid in so many ways. To raise £170,000 when times are tough is a tribute to everyone involved.”

Nicola Harwin CBE, chief executive for Women’s Aid, said: "I would like to thank everyone at Midcounties Co-operative for this wonderful donation, and for their incredible commitment and enthusiasm. This money is already making a big difference to the lives of women and children affected by domestic abuse.”