Scotmid Co-operative has raised £121,000 for Samaritans, its charity partner of the year. The money raised will fund an additional 24,200 calls to the suicide prevention charity from Scots who may be struggling to cope.
Over the next six months the partnership hopes to raise a further £180,000, to ensure the 19 Samaritans branches in Scotland can keep their doors open.
Since the partnership was launched in August, customers and employees have taken part in fundraising activities in stores. Proceeds from sales of limited edition Samaritans bags for life, ‘Brew Monday’ cupcakes and ‘Kid in the Kitchen’ joke books have all contributed to the amount raised.
“To have reached such an impressive amount at the half-way stage in our year-long charity partnership with Samaritans is an achievement everybody can be proud of,” said Scotmid chief executive, John Brodie OBE.
“Our staff deserve enormous credit for the fundraising activities that have already happened and there are plenty more scheduled to take place over the next six months.
“Samaritans provides an incredibly valuable service to local communities and by helping to fund an additional 60,000 appeals for help, every donation large or small has the potential to make a big difference in ensuring Samaritans can be there when it matters.”
The charity currently receives around 300,000 calls in Scotland every year. Last year saw the first rise in Scotland’s suicide rate for six years.
James Jopling, Samaritans’ executive director in Scotland said: “Samaritans is there for anyone struggling to cope, no matter the day or time. This partnership is so important as raises much needed funds to ensure that we can continue to be there when it matters. We are truly grateful to have had the support of Scotmid over the past six months and look forward to seeing their fundraising activities over the next six.”
- In the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you can contact the Samaritans free at any time on 116 123.
