B&M donates more than £1K to support Age UK Northants’ mission during the pandemic

A local B&M has donated more than £1,000 to a Northamptonshire charity that is working to support older people during the pandemic.

Towcester’s B&M in Old Tiffield Road allocated its proportion of the company’s nationwide donation scheme to Age UK Northamptonshire.

Each of the 670 B&M stores across the country has been authorised to donate £1,500 from the company’s £1m food bank donation programme, set up so essential groceries, cleaning products and toiletries can be bought for those who need it most.

Fern Overton, Age UK Northamptonshire’s day care and transport service manager said: “Donations like this are invaluable to our efforts.

“Our charity shops have closed and our paid-for services such as domestic care and day centres have all ceased because of Coronavirus.

“This means that donations are essential in keeping older people who are isolating, safe and well.”

The money donated from the store, as well as other valuable donations from local businesses, will go towards the local charity’s food and hot meal delivery service.

Since March 17 Age UK Northants has cooked and delivered 1,600 hot meals and made in excess of 400 shopping trips.

Chris Duff, Age UK Northamptonshire’s chief executive added: “We want to say a huge thank you to B&M Towcester and everyone who has donated so far.

“We have moved our thinking away from the food, grocery and medication deliveries being a short-term ‘emergency’ service, as we can see that older people in Northamptonshire will need on-going support, even after lockdown.

“Donations from our community are even more important at this difficult time and we are extremely grateful to all who have supported our work.”

The charity is still accepting donations of essential food items, as well monetary donations to help support older people.

Safe drop offs of food can be arranged by emailing [email protected] or calling 01604 604500, and money can be donated to the charity via its JustGiving page.

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