In an effort to serve local areas, Morrisons allocate community champions throughout their stores nationwide. They describe their community champions as “amazing colleagues that support our local communities.”
Bishop Auckland store champions Laura and Julie have been involved in numerous donations, fundraisers, and acts of kindness within the local area.
Speaking to Laura Ward, she said the main purpose of the Bishop Auckland store is to help in six areas Bishop Auckland appears to need extra support in. These are: Poverty and access to food, anti-social behaviour, unemployment, crime and drugs, wellbeing including loneliness and mental health, and environmental issues.
Laura said, “Our purpose as champions is to enhance local integration and serve the community. These are part of our eight priorities and are strategically important to our business. “The Covid pandemic demonstrated the significant impact we have and can further make in our local communities. Community Champions are at the heart of that.
“We are a local supermarket providing local service for local people with an aim to be outstanding in customer and community service. We identify and build relationships with key stakeholders and groups within the local community, develop and deliver local solutions, community plans and communication strategies which complement our national community strategy. It also demonstrates our local commitment. We try to provide and socialise goods and services which meet local needs.”
Already this year, Laura and other champions have been extensively supporting the local area. In January, they donated a range of food items to Shildon Alive, helping to replenish their stock. On March 22, Champions Laura, Julie, and their colleague Ellie, volunteered on site at DIY SOS where they had the opportunity to meet presenter Nick Knowles.
On Thursday 12 May, Laura delivered to eight local schools, awarding them Memory of Hope bunting, as well as some cream cakes to enjoy. Flowers to the Women’s Institute, a bag of essentials to First Contact UK, and chocolates for a raffle at the Mayor’s dinner were also part of their donation week.
Follow their work and latest fundraising events on the Morrisons Bishop Auckland Community Champion Facebook page.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
