Scotmid Co-op’s fundraising efforts will enable over 170,000 children in Scotland to learn about animal welfare.
So far, the society has raised £141,000 for its charity of the year, Scottish SPCA, with the funding going to the Prevention through Education programme, delivered in over 1,000 schools across Scotland.
The project aims to improve both primary and secondary school pupils’ knowledge of animals and their welfare needs through interactive workshops and encourages them to take an active role in their local community.
The co-op will continue to fundraise for SPCA over the next six months.
John Brodie, chief executive of Scotmid, said: “The positive response shown so far by our members, staff and customers towards our charity partnership with Scottish SPCA has been phenomenal.
“To have reached such an impressive figure at the halfway stage is really encouraging and we look forward to seeing further fundraising activities come to life so that we can raise as many ‘Pennies For Paws’ as possible.”
In addition to its partnership with SPCA, Scotmid has teamed up with several Scottish SPCA animal rescue and rehoming centres across the country to help encourage members and customers to rehome pets.
Kirsteen Campbell, chief executive of the Scottish SPCA, said: “In 2018, our education team visited more than 60% of Scotland’s primary schools and reached just under 250,000 children.
“Prevention through education is at the heart of everything the society does. Demand for our services has never been higher, so the need to make sure Scotland’s children have a strong grasp of animal welfare has never been greater.
“The funds and support from Scotmid will provide an invaluable contribution to the delivery of our education programme. A huge thank you to everyone who has helped raise money in the first six months of the partnership.”
