Marks & Spencer employees at the new Foodhall in Kirkstall, which opened on 30th October, have selected Leeds Rhinos Foundation as their Charity of the Year, marking the occasion with a special visit to the store from team mascot, Ronnie the Rhino.
The news comes as part of the new store’s commitment to work closely with local communities as part of Plan A, the pledge to become the world’s most sustainable retailer.
Employees at the new Foodhall will host a 12 month fundraising campaign for the charity, with a range of activities and events, including sponsored walks and runs, bag packs, cake bakes and raffles.
Leeds Rhinos Foundation is Leeds Rhinos' charity that delivers projects in the heart of the community by harnessing the power of sport to make a lasting, positive impact on individuals' lives with the ongoing aim to change lives through sport.
Store Manager, Phil Edwards, said:
“Each year, M&S stores across the country make a commitment to working with local causes for the good of the immediate community. With our new store opening in just a few weeks, it was important for us to choose a local cause that means something to the employees and people in the area.
“Leeds Rhinos Foundation is a really worthy cause as it works at the heart of the community, making a difference through sport, health and education and it is right on our doorstep. For that reason they were an obvious choice for our support this year. We look forward to working with Leeds Rhinos Foundation for many months to come, and hope that our customers will get behind the fundraising activities that we have lined up throughout the year.”
Jessica Bowman, Fundraiser and Events Officer, at Leeds Rhinos Foundation, said:
“We are delighted to have been chosen as Marks & Spencer’s Charity of the Year in Kirkstall. As a charity, we rely heavily on the support from local businesses and the general public. The money raised by M&S Foodhall Kirkstall will help to ensure that our services remain available for those most in need in our community.”