Retailers in Scotland raise almost £16 million for good causes in 2017

RETAILERS raised or donated £15.9 million for good causes in Scotland this year, industry research has found.

Some 18 retailers raised cash for charity through fundraising, carrier bag and direct donations, according to the Supporting Scottish Communities report published by the Scottish Retail Consortium.

The analysis found retail workers donated more than 12,000 hours of volunteering and donated 600,000 meals and 300,000 clothing items to good causes.

Fundraising and donations for a specific charity represented the largest category of donation, with more than half a million pounds raised by retailers in Scotland for Poppy Scotland, Comic Relief and Children in Need.

Carrier bag donations raised £5.3 million and corporate donations £1.9 million.

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Andrew Murphy, SRC chairman, said: “This report highlights the sheer scale of support provided by Scottish retailers to charities and good causes.

“Whether it’s through national support for large charities, or providing space in store for local groups, retailers across Scotland have put aside time and resources to support the amazing work done by these brilliant causes.

“It is clear retailers recognise the crucial place they hold at the heart of the community and our society and are making a positive difference.

“Of course, none of this would happen without fantastic and generous customers who keep on digging deep to support these causes – and of course the superb work done by so many charities which inspires this support and helps make such a difference both here in Scotland, and indeed across the world.”

Retailers Aldi, Asda, B&Q, Boots, CJ Lang (Spar Scotland), The Co-op, Greggs, Hobbycraft, House of Bruar, John Lewis, Lidl, Marks and Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Scotmid, Tesco, Waitrose and Wilko contributed to the report.

Economy Secretary Keith Brown said: “The people of Scotland are recognised for their generosity and charitable nature, and it would appear retail in Scotland also has a big heart.

“Our third sector is a vital component to our success as a nation – how we look after those who need it most.

“Humanity is good for our well-being, but also benefits the economy. Any way in which we can help more people and communities be more engaged and more involved ultimately helps us all to contribute more.”