SCOTTISH stores have raised millions for charity in 2017 according to new figures from the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC).
The SRC’s latest report, Supporting Scottish Communities, reveals that Scottish retailers have handed over £15.9m this year through fundraising activities and donations.
The report revealed how 18 leading retail brands operating in Scotland were able to raise money for charity through fundraising, carrier bag charges and direct donations. Retailers who contributed to the report included Aldi, Asda, CJ Lang, The Co-op, Lidl, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Scotmid, Tesco and Waitrose.
The single largest category of giving, as revealed by the SRC, was donations to a charity partner or a main charity, with over £6.9m raised via this method.
Donations from the sale of carrier bags were the second largest source of revenue for good causes, with £5.3m raised this year.
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.”
