In July 2024, Claire Vardy became Tesco Toton’s community champion, linking one of your local Tesco stores to the community it serves. In this time, her role has evolved, and it is plain to see that Claire cares passionately about her community and the role that Tesco can play in supporting it.
Not only does the store hand out surplus food to local registered groups and charities every day but they also look to raise vital funds for others.
In one of the most recent projects, Claire helped provide ward clothes and toiletries for the patients that arrive on ward C52 at the Nottingham Queen’s Medical Centre. The store has also provided Valentine themed treats, strawberries for the Tennis season and raffle prizes to create funds for the ward to help with activities for the patients and staff.
Recently, a family donated £1,000 to the ward C52 to create a Quiet Room where family and friends of patients on the ward can go whilst treatment is taking place.
Mr. Danielson’s wife was a patient on the ward but sadly she passed away. As a way of remembering her, he wanted to do something for the NHS and to say thank you to the staff for being so caring and kind to his wife whilst having treatment on the ward.
He asked the congregation at his wife’s funeral not to give flowers but to donate money in her memory to create the Quiet Room. This room has a plaque on the door and the donation helped provided soft furnishings, a sofa, chair, table and fresh coat of paint. Claire and Tesco Toton donated a lamp to make room feel cosier and comforting.
The photograph (left) shows Mr Danielson with staff from Ward C52 with the lamp and Claire.
Also, over the festive period, The Rotary Club came to the Tesco Toton store and with their wonderful volunteers, they managed to collect donations of £924. Of this money, £462 was collected for Broxtowe Youth Homelessness (BYH) and with gift aid added, £589.92. On Tuesday 28 January, a cheque was presented to Councillor Richard MacRae, chairman of BYH. The organisation helps and support 16 to 25-year-olds from being homeless and assist in rebuilding their lives.
The remaining money went to Broxtowe Women’s Project and Myotonic Dystrophy Support.
Over the following months, the Local News are hoping to bring you further stories on how Tesco Toton are supporting the local community.
If you are part of a local charity and feel you could benefit from the support of Tesco Toton, please contact Claire on: [email protected]