The Asda Antrim team. (Image: Dimitri Kuznecovas)
The spirit of community and resilience is shining brightly at Asda Antrim this year, where staff and customers rallied together to support Friends of the Cancer Centre, a pivotal charity in Northern Ireland.
Since kicking off their fundraising efforts in May, the team at Asda Antrim has not only met but spectacularly exceeded their initial goal by raising a fantastic £7,654.
The fundraising activities were diverse and engaging, designed to involve as many people as possible. Employees took to new heights by abseiling off the Belfast City Hospital, while others pounded the pavement in the Belfast half marathon.
Inside the store, colleagues organised raffles, maintained a book stand, and even set up cycling events. The culmination of these efforts was marked by a particularly moving event where a brave colleague, Helen, shaved her head in a show of solidarity and support, an act that galvanised both staff and shoppers alike.
(L-R) Ashley Ritchie, Asda Antrim Customer & Community Champion, General Store Manager Roger Croskery, and Ciara Bainbridge, Friends of the Cancer Centre.
(Image: Dimitri Kuznecovas)
Ashley Ritchie, the Customer and Community Champion at Asda Antrim, expressed her delight at the community's response.
"When we set out on this fundraising journey, we hoped to raise £5,000 and have knocked that goal right out of the park!" Ashley exclaimed.
"I am so thankful for all the support our colleagues and customers have shown during our fundraising. They have been amazing, from taking part in the events we organised to cheering on Helen during her head shave.
“Friends of the Cancer Centre provides such important care to patients, and we are delighted to have been able to help fund some of that."
Asda team member Helen who bravely had her hair shaved, raising a fantastic £900 to add to the fundraising total.
The events not only served as a means to raise funds but also brought the work colleagues closer, creating moments of unity and shared purpose.
Friends of the Cancer Centre, based in Belfast, is dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of cancer patients through financial support, patient care, and funding for local cancer research. The funds raised by Asda Antrim will go directly towards enhancing the care and support services provided by the charity.
This fundraising success story is a testament to what can be achieved when a team works together for a cause greater than themselves. Asda Antrim's initiative not only highlights the generosity of its staff and customers but also sets a benchmark for corporate social responsibility in action.