£10,000 Donation To RNLI Scarborough
The Proudfoot Group donates £10,000 to RNLI from carrier bag charges
Scarborough-based supermarket chain The Proudfoot Group are supporting RNLI Scarborough Lifeboat Station with a donation of £10,000, raised solely from the sale of 5p carrier bags.
Following the introduction of the mandatory 5p carrier bag charge just over a year ago, despite seeing a significant reduction in the amount of carrier bags requested, the Proudfoot supermarkets have raised a five-figure sum for the local lifeboat station.
The RNLI provides a 24-hour lifeboat search and rescue service around the UK and Ireland as well as a seasonal lifeguard service, rescuing on average 22 people per day. The Scarborough Lifeboat Station is one of the oldest RNLI stations at over 215 years old.
Representatives from The Proudfoot Group presented the £10,000 cheque to the RNLI Scarborough Lifeboat crew on Sunday 27th November at the new lifeboat station’s open day, which also marked the arrival of the station’s new lifeboat.
Valerie Aston, director at The Proudfoot Group, commented: “The usage of carrier bags in our stores has dropped dramatically, by around 80%, but we are thrilled with the amount we are able to donate from the remaining carrier bag charges to this brilliant local cause.
“We have had so much positive feedback from our customers who were happy to pay 5p for a carrier bag, knowing that the funds would be going to such a worthy and much loved local charity. We hope the funds will go some way to support the RNLI in the vital work they undertake.”
The family-owned supermarket chain has donated over £35,000 to local charities and good causes since 2008. Earlier this year Proudfoot Newby was acknowledged for its positive impact on the community in Nisa’s Shop Local competition, and The Proudfoot Group were also awarded the title of ‘Making a Difference Locally Community Champion’ for their continued commitment to the local community.