Funding from local store sends dancer to the world cup
LOCAL Glaswegian dancer Mirren King is set to head to the Dance World Cup finals in Ireland this summer thanks to fundraising by Ali’s Nisa in Royston.
Regulars at the store, both Mirren and her mum, Debbie, have received a donation of £250 from store owner Raheem Ali Razaq to go towards funding the trip. Additionally, the retailer has provided £100 worth of goody bags for the pair’s local charity event to help raise extra funds for the trip.
Raheem said: “Debbie is one of my best customers and it’s a big feat for her daughter to compete on the big stage in an international competition. We’d do anything to help and can’t wait to hear how she gets on at the Dance World Cup in July.”
The 12 year old dancer is set to represent Scotland on a global stage this July as part of the Dance World Cup finals. The 11-day trip will see Mirren – who is currently ranked as No.1 in Scotland and sixth in Europe – enter across solo, duo and teams categories.
Raheem noted that being able to support his local customers and community at large remains a large part of his store, and is something that he and his staff take immense pride in.
The store owner of Ali’s said that being part of Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally (MADL) initiative has been an integral part of this. Through the charity, the team has managed to raise over £700 to Glasgow’s Fountain Trust charity in February, which helps provide food packages, clean water and eye care to those in need.
Kate Carroll, social value lead at Co-op Wholesale, said: “Raheem is a great example of the role local stores can play in the community. The Making a Difference Locally fund is all about empowering Co-op Wholesale partners to support local charities and their communities. Together, we truly want to make real difference in people’s lives.”
