27 November 2012
Bestway Backs Groceryaid In Awareness Push
Charity to build on its support for >5k people in 2012. Bestway today hosted a lunch to boost awareness of GroceryAid’s 24/7 freephone Welfare Helpline - 08088 021122 - as the charity gears up for a busy 2013.
Over the past 12 months, GroceryAid – formed earlier this year following the merger of Caravan and Sweet Charity – has reached out to over 5,000 people in the industry in need of support. But there is more to be done, according to Cathy Mercer, GroceryAid Welfare Development Director. This event signalled a commitment from Bestway, the UK's largest independent wholesale group, to use its network to spread the message.
Speaking at the event, Mercer said: “As the festive season approaches and we look forward to the New Year, it’s right that we take the time to consider the needs of those in the industry who have fallen on hard times. We have achieved a great deal over the past year. But we can only help those who know we’re here for them. That’s why we’re grateful for the continued support from within the industry and hope that, with Bestway’s backing, we can today go some way in raising awareness of the industry charity – and our helpline – that little bit more.”
Zameer Choudrey, Group Chief Executive of Bestway Group and GroceryAid Trustee, called for every supplier, customer, and employee to play their part.
“Bestway was founded by and is run by independent retailers, so we understand the issues they are facing, particularly in challenging times,” he added. “We’re only too aware that they need all the help they can get. That’s why when Bestway was set-up 36 years ago it started life with a simple but honest strategy – to build business for the independent. That was our belief then and still is today. But there are wider issues on which GroceryAid offers a vital lifeline. As an industry we must work together to do all we can to help raise awareness of the vital service it provides.”
The free GroceryAid helpline focuses on personal welfare problems arising at work or at home. These can range from financial to legal, careers advice to health and mental health issues, and family relationships to depression and anxiety, or help in moving on from harmful or threatening incidents. It is open to all those working in the grocery industry, from the largest factory to the supply chain and the smallest of stores. It can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a week by telephone on 08088 021122 or online at www.groceryaid.org.uk