Nisa stores donated almost £850,000 to charities and good causes across the UK and Ireland through the symbol-group-run Making a Difference Locally (MADL) charity last year.

Throughout 2019, 1,444 individual donations were made to causes including community groups, schools, scout and girl guide groups, charities and sports clubs.

Wetwheels Yorkshire, which provides boating opportunities for people with disabilities to build their confidence and independence, was one of the causes to benefit from a donation from Making a Difference Locally last year. A £500 donation from Nisa partner Proudfoot Supermarkets in Scarborough helped the group to fund trips for its service users.

“Proudfoot’s MADL funding will be used by Wetwheels Yorkshire to fund free or heavily subsidised trips for disabled adults and children in the Scarborough and District locality, who would not otherwise have been able to enjoy this experience,” said Peter Richardson, chairman and founding director of Wetwheels.

Read more: Nisa Express fascia plans confirmed

MADL raises funds in Nisa stores through sales of Heritage and Co-op own brand products, as well as money raised via directly in store. Last November, it was announced that the charity had raised more £11m for good causes since its formation in 2008.

Kate Carroll, Nisa head of charity, said: “2019 was another fantastic year for charitable giving, with hundreds of Nisa stores supporting some amazing local good causes.

“The funding given by our independent retailers will make a significant difference for the smaller charities and community groups in particular.”