Independent supermarket launches new foundation to transform the community

By Eleanor McGillie

EMERSON’S Supermarket has launched a foundation which will directly benefit people living and working in the area through charitable donations.

The Emerson’s Foundation was launched yesterday (MONDAY) in conjunction with Uluru Bar & Grill to highlight the positive contributions both businesses make in the local community.

For over 125 years, the Emerson’s family have been serving the community in the Armagh so owner Gavin Emerson felt it was time to officially set up a foundation which demonstrates work taking place in the community.

Speaking about The Emerson’s Foundation, Mr Emerson said: “For a number of years we have been building a pot of money so we can help our customers, their families and the wider community.

“We have already contributed to some initiatives to the sum of around ￡2,000 and over the next number of years we will continue to help people.

“To assist us with this we have developed our own website – www.emersonsfoundation.org – which will showcase our news and will allow people to nominate a charitable cause and give their reasons why.

“Emerson’s Supermarket continues to add value to the lives of local people and, through the foundation, our aim is to help transform communities.”

The Emerson’s Foundation will help raise funds in two ways – through Uluru Bar & Grill, and the supermarket hosting charitable events and the other is through donations via the Nisa’s Making A Difference Locally (MADL) Fund.

Helping launch The Emerson’s Foundation was Rebecca Dalzell from Action Cancer, Dean Coppard from Uluru Bar & Grill and Clodagh Crowe from Rural Support.

Rebecca Dalzell from Action Cancer, who received a cheque for ￡422, said: “It’s wonderful to see such a long standing family business develop new and innovative ways to support local charities and community groups. Action Cancer are delighted to have received such wonderful support from the Emerson Foundation for our Paint the Town Pink campaign. An amazing ￡442 was raised for our unique breast screening service.”

Dean Coppard said: “We were delighted to host a fashion extravaganza which raised ￡422 for Action Cancer. Upstairs @ Uluru is a fantastic space to host such events so we are thrilled to support a charity which helps so many people. The foundation is a great way to show our support.”

Rural Support, a charity which helps support farming families in crisis received a ￡500 donation from the Emerson’s Foundation.

Alessie Magowan, a committee member said: “The Rural Support donation is an example of the work our foundation will be doing. Emerson’s Supermarket greatly values its customers and this fundraising initiative for Rural Support is one way our team shows our support for farming families.

“We hope this ￡500 donation will help Rural Support continue to carry out its work supporting farming families and rural dwellers who have adversely affected by economic pressures and the prolonged deflated prices within the Agri-food sector.”

Run Armagh too has also benefited from donations.

Organiser Matt Nicholson said: “Run Armagh is all about promoting health and well-being in our local community and encouraging people to be active. We are delighted to have had the support of The Emerson’s Foundation. Run Armagh will take place again this year on April 17 thanks again to The Emerson’s Foundation for its support.”

To date, ￡2,000 in donations has been pledged. Nominations are now open so if there’s a charitable cause in the community which you would like to nominate visit www.emersonsfoundation.org and fill in the online form. Deadline for first quarter nominations is March 31.

ENDS:

Notes To Editor:

• Emerson’s is a family run supermarket which has been serving the local community for 125 years. The supermarket employs 110 people and is committed to creating a sustainable future on the high street in Armagh city centre. Emerson’s supermarket houses a local family supermarket, the city’s Post Office, the Wine Store and Uluru Bar & Grill.
• Uluru Bar & Grill is an award winning restaurant where chefs cook with an Australian twist to create an exciting culinary experience.
• The Wine Store at Emerson’s stocks a large selection of fine wines and craft beers.
• The Post Office customers will be able to pay bills, do banking, collect benefits and change travel money as well as use the postage, home shopping returns and Local Collect services.
• For further information or interview requests contact Eleanor McGillie of MGMPR Ltd on 028 3756 9569028 3756 9569 | 07709805379 | mgmpr.co.uk | Retail PR | Food and Drink PR | PR Northern Ireland | Public Relations Northern Ireland | Public Relations UK | Brand Journalism Northern Ireland | Brand Journalism UK | Brand Journalism Experts