ACS

ACS crowned its 2010 Community Hero at the Gala Dinner of this year’s Summit event. The winner, Dee’s Budgens, triumphed over three other worthy finalists in what was certainly the most competitive year yet. Through website voting and voting in-store, ACS received over 12,000 votes for the finalists, which represents just how important strong local shops are in the heart of their communities.

Dee’s Budgens, of Woodbridge, is an excellent example of how supporting the community can provide a mutual benefit both for charities and the store itself. By supporting different local charities, the staff of Dee’s Budgens have managed to raise over £40,000. The store supports the local Lions club, the Essex/Suffolk air ambulance, the Woodbridge Army Barracks, a number of local schools, community centres and Local Primary Care Trusts, among others.

When asked why fundraising was so important to the store, Mr Patel told ACS “We noticed that there were very few businesses in the area that were helping the community. By fundraising and helping out with local projects we are trying to build a strong relationship with our customers and ensuring that we’re seen to be supportive all over the community. We have had letters from soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq showing their appreciation for the work that we have done for the local families and for sending donations out to them. ”

Woodbridge store manager, Sean Casey said: “Dee gave the store the choice of what they would like to do with the winnings. We were given a range of choices from investing in the store, putting the money toward a social fund or donating it to charity. A group of us from the store are taking part in a 24 hour challenge in September for the Meningitis Trust, so the most likely option is that we’ll donate the money to that, as it’s an excellent cause.”

Mr Patel said: “It’s great to win something like this to reward the staff for all the good work they do, but even in this they have voted to donate the £1000 reward to charity. I am incredibly proud to work around such a generous group of people.”

The members of staff taking part in the 24 hour challenge in September for the Meningitis Trust are: Helen Patel, Dee Patel, Steve Bushell, Sarah Ralph, Sean Casey, Lee Balinger, Sean Rodden and Jinx Hundal.

Contacts:

Shane Brennan, Public Affairs Director
01252 533009 / 07921 372978

Chris Noice, Communications Assistant
01252 533013

Notes to Editors:

1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,500 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities.