A fun day organised by the Midcounties Co-operative on 19 August raised £20,000 for local charities and community groups.
The event featured a cast of popular characters – including Chewbacca and stormtroopers from Star Wars and children’s cartoon favourites Peppa Pig and Cat Boy from PJ Mask.
Attractions included a fun fair, BMX stunt show, cooking demonstrations and helicopter rides.
Money raised will go to charities and groups including Gloucestershire Young Carers and Newlands Park. Gloucestershire Young Carers provide a support network for young carers while Newlands Park offers financial support to people with disabilities or to other related charities and voluntary bodies.
The fun day is part of the Midcounties’ regional communities strategy, which sees members and colleagues raise funds and volunteer for local community groups.
Chris Chandler, a leadership team ambassador at the society, said: “It was great to see all the community come together to have fun and help raise money for such deserving charities.
“This year’s fun day was another storming success, and we’re proud to be able to support local charities.”
The society also hosted a superhero fundraising weekend in July for the two charities. Colleagues from stores in Stroud, Forest of Dean, Cheltenham and Gloucestershire took part in various activities, which raised £4,000.
The Midcounties food stores hosted a charity car wash, tombolas and bake sales to raise money for the two charities.
Gloucestershire Young Carers is Midcounties’ charity partner in the Forest of Dean and Stroud. Fundraising and marketing manager Jane Dyer said: “The fun day not only raised vital funds for the work we continue to do with young carers but it provided us with the opportunity to bring young carers and their family members together to help celebrate our charity’s 25th birthday.”
