GRATEFUL staff at a Rugby community centre have thanked employees and customers at a town supermarket for raising vital funds which will help the lonely and disadvantaged at Christmas.
Martin Bull, the Community Charity Champion at the Tesco superstore in Leicester Road, organised a book sale which raised £1,000 for the Benn Partnership Centre.
Explaining why he chose to support the centre, Martin said: “They offer support to everyone who needs it – be it support with housing, social activities, adult education and benefit claims.
“They also operate a warm hub, and every year on Christmas Day they host those who are lonely or cannot afford to cook a meal. This includes homeless people, the elderly, refugees, families fleeing violence and adults with additional needs.
“They are a charity organisation and most of their funding is through grants and donations. This is why we are so pleased that our customers have been so generous.”
Benn Partnership Centre Manager Vivien Kajoro expressed her gratitude.
She said: “We would like to say a massive thank you for the continual efforts and hard work and support from Tesco – and in particular Martin Bull.
“Martin has supported the centre and the refugees with donations from both Tesco and his church.
“Every year we host the most marginalised people in our community for a Christmas day event. And this year will be extra special as we have received more donations than ever.
“The funding raised will go towards various Christmas season events and towards the warm hub and the free community cafe, which we run weekly at the centre.
“We are also grateful for the food donations we receive weekly. This food has been a lifeline to many people who are struggling to make ends meet.”
